Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The Police on Tuesday, dragged two men before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing an iphone worth N250,000.

The defendants are: Awoyemi Fawaz, 27; and Ibukun Akode, 28.

The duo whose addresses were not mentioned, are standing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

They each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Edet Ekpo told the Court that the defendants committed the offences on April 3, at about 6.00.p.m, at Ilogbo-Eremi community, Oko-Afo, Badagry expressway, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendants conspired to steal an iphone 7 belonging to a complainant’ one Basirat Lapado.

According to the prosecutor, the defendants were later caught and handed over to police for prosecution.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Nurudeen Layeni, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum

He held that one of the sureties must be a community leader.

The court consequently, adjourned the case until May 20, for mention.

Two Docked Over Stolen N250,000 iPhone is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Segun Sowunmi, convener of The Alternative, has reacted to the emergence of a consensus candidate for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State

On Monday, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, was announced on Monday by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a strategic caucus meeting of party leaders and stakeholders, where succession plans ahead of the 2027 governorship election were discussed.

Reacting in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Sowunmi raised concerns about the political arrangement that produced the lawmaker as the party’s guber candidate.

In the statement titled “From Magbon to Now: We Will Not Be Conquered. Ogun’s Line in the Sand,” he suggested that the process was more of an imposition than a genuine consensus.

“Yes, a political party has the right to choose its internal mechanisms, even if that means adopting ‘consensus’ as its preferred pathway. But across every serious political system where consensus has credibility, it rests on one indispensable foundation: integrity. Without that, consensus degenerates into imposition,” he said.

He further stated, “That is precisely the issue before us. Those now attempting to foist this arrangement on Ogun State bring with them no demonstrable record of integrity… In such circumstances, what is being presented as consensus is, in reality, a crude instrument of control.”

He warned that the development signals a broader threat to democratic values in the state.

“This is how state capture begins. And it must be resisted,” he said, adding that the situation presents “a defining test… of the resolve or complicity of a people once known for their independence.”

Drawing historical parallels, Showunmi referenced past resistance movements to underscore his argument.

“The decline of the Oyo Empire reminds us that no system, however entrenched, is beyond challenge. The legacy of the Egba United Government affirms that our people built institutions of governance strong enough to command respect even from external powers. And the Ijebus themselves demonstrated this fiercely guarded independence in the Anglo-Ijebu War the so-called Magbon War where they chose resistance over submission in the face of imperial pressure.,” he noted.

He concluded by urging citizens to reject what he described as political imposition, saying “We cannot, in this generation especially within the framework of a democracy accept the status of a conquered people.

What is unfolding may be presented as process, but it is experienced as humiliation,” he said.

The post Sowunmi warns of ‘state capture’ following Adeola’s emergence as Ogun APC consensus candidate appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged airlines operating in the country to be more transparent in communicating flight delays, especially when operational issues cause disruptions. The call was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, via his X handle. Achimugu cautioned airlines […]

The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal challenges and what he described as the hijacking of the party by undemocratic forces.

In a resignation letter dated April 14, and addressed to the Chairman of Kindiyo Ward in Cham, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, the lawmaker said his decision takes immediate effect.

The letter, which was signed by the Minority Whip and made available to newsmen in Gombe, stated that his exit followed careful consideration and wide consultations with key stakeholders.

According to him, the decision is driven by concerns over the direction of the party, alleging that its structure had been taken over in a manner inconsistent with its founding principles, leading to factional leadership.

He explained that after consulting with his family, political associates, and supporters, he concluded that his political future, as well as that of his constituents, would be better served outside the PDP.

The lawmaker further stated that his constituents deserve a political platform that guarantees their interests and long-term aspirations.

He expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership and members for the opportunity given to him to serve, noting that he remains grateful for the platform that enabled his election into the National Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  Isa represents Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

(NAN)

The post House of Reps Minority Whip dumps PDP appeared first on Vanguard News.

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has struck out a suit filed by Paul Arochukwu Ogbonna and another applicant against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), seeking the release of the long-awaited forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The suit,with a suit number CS/236/2022, was instituted in 2022 under the aegis of Social Action, following the refusal of the then Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to provide the group with access to the audit report.

The plaintiffs had approached the court to compel the ministry—formerly overseen by Godswill Akpabio—to make the document public.

However, subsequent developments altered the trajectory of the case. With the dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by President Bola Tinubu upon assuming office, the plaintiffs amended their processes to join the AGF as the appropriate legal representative of the Federal Government.

Delivering judgment, Justice Turaki Mohammed struck out the suit, ruling that it was incompetent as it was originally filed against a non-existent government agency.

Despite the absence of legal representation for the AGF during proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs, Victor Nweke, addressed journalists after the ruling, expressing dissatisfaction with the court’s decision.

He maintained that the case had been pursued in the public interest and disclosed that his clients are considering further legal steps to ensure access to the audit report.

Speaking in the same vein, Ogbonna, who heads Social Action’s legal team in Rivers State, described the judgment as a setback to transparency efforts.

He emphasized that the suit forms part of a broader anti-corruption campaign and insisted that Nigerians have a right to know how funds allocated to the NDDC were utilized.

The NDDC forensic audit report has remained a subject of national interest, amid calls from civil society groups for its full disclosure, citing accountability and transparency in the management of resources in the Niger Delta region.

Court Strikes Out Suit Seeking Release of NDDC Forensic Audit Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Leeds United striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has revealed what he told the match referee before Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez’s red card.

Leeds defeated Man United 2-1 on Monday, thanks to Noah Okafor’s two goals against the Red Devils.

But one of the major talking points of the match was Martinez’s sending-off.

When asked in the post-match interview about whether the dismissal was justified, Calvert-Lewin said, via SPORTbible: “I don’t know, I don’t make the rules.

“I felt my hair get pulled, and obviously I told the ref, he’s the one who makes the decisions, at the end of the day.

“Unfortunate for him [Martinez], whether he’s meant it or not, I don’t hold any grudges, but it is what it is.”

EPL: Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals what he told referee before Martinez’s red card

The Tinubu-led government is facing the threat of legal action in the United Kingdom after a group of international legal experts under the banner of Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates, based in London, issued a formal pre-litigation notice warning that it will initiate proceedings in London courts if the government does not immediately and unconditionally release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and provide compensation.

The notice, dated April 14, 2026 and signed by Dr. David Nyekorach-Matsanga, describes itself as a final opportunity for the Federal Government to comply with a 2022 United Nations directive before legal enforcement proceedings begin abroad.

The group is basing its demand on Opinion No. 25/2022 issued on July 20, 2022 by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which found that Kanu’s arrest and alleged extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 was unlawful and ruled that his continued detention is arbitrary.

The UN body further recommended that Nigeria should immediately release him and grant him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations in line with international law.

The legal experts argue that the UN opinion is binding on Nigeria as a member state that has ratified key human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

They also cite Nigerian Supreme Court precedents to support their position that ratified international treaties create enforceable domestic obligations.

According to the notice, this obligation did not end with the failure of the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari to comply, but remains a continuing and unequivocal duty now binding on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since his controversial rendition in June 2021.

In November 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on seven terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

He has since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence, with the appeal process currently ongoing.

The legal team warned that failure to comply will trigger international legal action, stating in part that unless immediate steps are taken to ensure full compliance with the United Nations directive, including his unconditional release and provision of appropriate reparations, they will initiate enforcement proceedings in competent jurisdictions, including courts in London, to compel compliance and seek redress.

They described the notice as the final opportunity to resolve the matter without what they called heavy litigation and insisted that no rights or remedies under international law have been waived.

The case continues to attract international attention, with critics raising concerns over extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention without trial in the early stages, and broader human rights implications.

The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that Kanu is facing serious terrorism and security-related charges and that due judicial process must be allowed to run its course.

Whether a court in London would accept jurisdiction to enforce a United Nations Working Group opinion against a sovereign state remains legally complex, involving questions of state immunity and the non-binding nature of such opinions, which carry moral and political weight but are not equivalent to enforceable judgments of international courts.

The development comes amid ongoing domestic appeals and continued calls from various stakeholders, including some leaders from Nigeria’s Southeast region, for a political resolution to the matter, while further updates are expected as the government responds and the appeal process continues.

Tinubu Government Faces UK Legal Threat Over Nnamdi Kanu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for providing an enabling environment for private businesses to thrive, describing the Minister’s role in facilitating the landmark partnership between Hypercity and Carrefour as commendable.

​Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the franchise signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Gbajabiamila described the collaboration as a “powerful statement of confidence” in the nation’s economy.

​In a specific commendation of the FCT leadership, Gbajabiamila singled out Wike for his “pivotal role” in bringing the deal to fruition.

He characterized the Minister as a “deep thinker” whose business-oriented approach to public administration is yielding tangible results for the nation’s capital.

​According to the Chief of Staff, “this successful collaboration serves as a direct testament to Wike’s ongoing commitment to reshaping the economic and physical landscape of Abuja.”
​
​The Chief of Staff emphasized that while the partnership is taking root in Abuja, it signals Nigeria’s broader status as the premier investment destination in Africa.

He noted that the FCT is currently “sowing the seed” for a retail revolution that is expected to spread across the country.

​”Abuja is sowing the seed, but that seed will grow into a tree with many branches in different cities in Nigeria,” Gbajabiamila remarked.

He further suggested that the retail collaboration is already eyeing expansion into Lagos and other major urban centers in the near future.

​The event concluded with a strong message to the global business community.

Highlighting the stability and potential of the Nigerian market under the current administration, the Chief of Staff urged international investors to view Nigeria not merely as a market, but as a stable “home for long-term partnership”.

In his remarks, Managing director of HyperCity Supermarket, Mr. Sunny Chuwla noted that the partnership is expected to serve as a major catalyst for Nigeria’s economic landscape by driving significant investment and industrial growth.

According to him, the collaboration with Carrefour will lead to large-scale job creation for the nation’s workforce and provide expanded market access for local suppliers and producers.

He said the vision includes the immediate opening of new stores in Abuja and other major cities across the federation to promote modern retail growth.

He described the milestone as a “beginning” rather than a finish line, intended to empower local businesses and create a lasting bridge between global excellence and Nigerian opportunity.

He adds: “By combining global operational excellence with local ambition, the initiative aims to build a world-class retail ecosystem that delivers quality products and modern shopping experiences to Nigerian families.”

Mr. Chuwla emphasized that Nigeria has proven itself to be a market of real opportunity rather than just potential, citing the strong growth seen since the opening of their first store in Port Harcourt in 2022.

This partnership represents a shift from observing Nigeria from a distance to actively investing and building within its borders, leveraging global standards to meet the nation’s rising retail demands.

​As the partnership enters its next phase, a strategic expansion plan is already in motion, beginning with the transition of existing Port Harcourt stores to the Carrefour brand.

​The momentum generated in Abuja is expected to facilitate the retail collaboration’s expansion into other major urban centers, including Lagos, in the near future.

​The emergence of Abuja as a retail hub is being presented to the global business community as a model of the stability and potential found within the Nigerian market.

Gbajabiamila lauds FCT Minister over landmark Hypercity-Carrefour deal

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting.

The Gunners won 1-0 in Portugal, thanks to a late Kai Havertz finish.

Arteta might not have some key player available for the return leg at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

“We have to wait tomorrow morning to see how a few of the boys are and make the right decision,” Arteta said.

On what Declan Rice’s injury is, he said: “I don’t want to do that, we have to wait and see how he is tomorrow. He wasn’t able to train.”

When asked if Saka, Timber, Odegaard and Calafiori will be back, Arteta replied: “Maybe one of them, let’s see.”

UCL: Arteta gives Arsenal injury updates ahead of Sporting second leg

 

Justice Rilwan Aikawa of a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has granted bail to former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his ongoing corruption trial.

The ruling was delivered following earlier adjournments to consider arguments from both the defence and prosecution. 

According to the court, El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of N200 million, with two sureties in like sum. The conditions include that one surety must be a senior civil servant (not below Grade Level 15), while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.

The court also ordered that the sureties must deposit their international passports, and directed that El-Rufai must attend all court sittings and refrain from making public comments about the case.

Despite being granted bail, the former governor will remain in the custody of the ICPC until all bail conditions are fully met.

El-Rufai is facing multiple charges linked to alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public funds during his time in office.