Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to increase efforts to secure the release of over 400 residents of Ngoshe, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Ndume made an appeal in a statement on Monday.

Insurgent had attacked the community last month, destroying buildings and abducting residents.

Meanwhile, the military has since recovered the community from the terrorists.

In a fresh appeal, Ndume urged the Federal Government to complement the Borno State government in the resettlement of displaced residents, whom he noted are willing to return to the community considering the military presence.

“It is on record that the Nigerian Army had since recovered Ngoshe from the insurgents and now occupies it. Those who were lucky to have escaped from their villages now seek refuge in Pulka.

“It is appalling that those of us in authority at the federal level have not met the expectations of our people in fulfillment of this sacred duty of securing lives and property, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“We call on the Federal Government to take urgent and prompt actions to secure the release of over 400 residents of Ngoshe in captivity.

“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to set machinery in motion for the reconstruction of the Ngoshe community, which has been totally destroyed by the insurgents.

“The Federal Government should urgently support the Borno State Government that has already released N100 million for immediate reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation of Ngoshe.

“The President should mandate its agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and the Ministry of Housing to move into the Ngoshe community to support the state government.

“From my interactions with the people, they have indicated their willingness to go back to Ngoshe immediately and live in improvised tents before their houses are rebuilt in Ngoshe. The people really want to go back and live in camp in Ngoshe instead of Pulka.”

He commended what he called “the gallantry of men and officers of the Nigerian Army who had exhibited unusual patriotism as they remained resilient not to surrender to the evil activities of the insurgents amidst the inadequacies of the Federal Government to meet their expectations in terms of Training, Equipment, Ammunition & Motivation (TEAM)”.

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army equally tasked the international community, particularly the United States, to beam their searchlight on three black spots in Borno State – Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and the Lake Chad region, an axis acknowledged as a haven of the terrorists, from where they always launch attacks.

“We urge the Nigerian Armed Forces, supported by the United States Army, to ensure that its actions are sustainable, not intermittent, until the terrorists have been wiped out.

“Finally, I want to reiterate my advocacy on the adoption of what I call the TEAM. It means Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Mobilization of the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure maximum output from them.”

Secure release of 400 abducted Ngoshe residents – Ndume tells Tinubu

Justice Bello Kawu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declined the request of the Registered Trustees of Peoples Wellbeing Association to stop the renewal and restructuring of the country’s pipeline surveillance…

Pope Leo XIV on Monday said he had “no intention to debate” with Donald Trump, after the US president criticised him over his comments on the US-Iran war.

Pope Leo XXIV while en route to Algeria said 

“I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions: 

I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him. Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. 

I am not afraid of the Trump administration. I speak about the Gospel, I am not a politician. I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing. 

I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems. 

The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel, blessed are the peacemakers; I do not see my role as that of a politician, I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world.”

The Securities and Exchange Commission has directed all capital market operators to immediately freeze assets linked to 10 individuals and three entities newly designated under Nigeria’s sanctions regime, in a move aimed at strengthening efforts to combat terrorism financing.

In a circular issued to operators, the commission said the directive followed the approval of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee in line with the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The affected individuals and entities have now been added to the Nigeria Sanctions List and are subject to a comprehensive set of restrictions, including asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes.

“All Capital Market Operators are required to immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities,” the SEC said.

The regulator further instructed operators to report all enforcement actions taken to the sanctions committee and file suspicious transaction reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit for further analysis.

“CMOs are to immediately file a suspicious transactions report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such individuals or entities,” the commission added.

According to the SEC, the freezing directive extends beyond assets directly held by the sanctioned parties to include funds and resources owned jointly, indirectly, or controlled through third parties and proxies.

“This freezing obligation extends to all funds or other assets owned or controlled by the designated persons or entities, including those acting on their behalf or at their direction,” the commission stated.

The SEC warned that failure to comply with the directive could expose financial institutions and market operators to both criminal and civil liabilities, as well as significant reputational damage.

The commission emphasized that the sanctions framework is a preventive tool designed to disrupt the flow of funds to terrorist organisations and related networks, reinforcing Nigeria’s broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of its financial system.

The latest directive comes amid intensified action by the Federal Government to clamp down on terrorism financing. On April 11, authorities released a list of 48 individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terror-related activities, directing financial institutions across the country to freeze associated assets and report suspicious transactions.

Some of the listed individuals and entities are believed to have links to proscribed groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ansarul Sudan, and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

SEC Orders Asset Freeze On Individuals, Entities Over Terror Links is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

…due process was followed before his reinstatement – Speaker’s Spokesperson

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Cross River State chapter of the Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence has strongly condemned the reinstatement of Hon. Ovat Agbor, member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, by the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA).

Recall that the lawmaker who was suspended on 5th March 2026, was reinstatement on Thursday 9th April this sparked outrage as civil society groups say that due process was not followed.

The group accused Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem of failing to uphold moral standards in governance, describing the decision as “a serious contradiction to the moral standards expected of public office holders in the state.”

Dr. John Egon, State Publicity Secretary of the group, who spoke to Vanguard in Calabar on Monday, expressed concern that Agbor was recalled despite his earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse.

“Despite the lawmaker’s earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse, he has been recalled without clear evidence of accountability or justice,” Egon said.

He warned that such actions “risk diminishing public confidence in governance and weaken the ethical foundation upon which leadership should stand.”

The group described Agbor’s alleged conduct as “a grave abuse of office and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people.”

“Leadership must be anchored on respect for human dignity and the protection of citizens, not fear or coercion.

“Any individual who consistently demonstrates disregard for these values cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people,” Egon added.

In a statement signed by Dr. Egon, the group faulted Speaker Ayambem for presiding over and approving the reinstatement, saying it sends “a wrong signal that misconduct can be overlooked, thereby undermining discipline within the legislative arm of government and weakening public trust in the institution.”

It stressed that “public office is a position of honour that demands integrity, discipline, and a strong moral compass,” and warned that allowing such conduct unchecked “places a dent on the dignity of Cross River State and erodes the moral culture that binds the society together.”

The group noted that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is widely recognised for its commitment to moral virtues, discipline, and accountability, and cautioned that the reinstatement risks sending conflicting signals that could undermine the governor’s moral direction.

It called on civil society organisations, NGOs, and women’s rights groups to review the circumstances surrounding the lifting of Agbor’s suspension so that justice can be served.

Reacting to the criticism, the Speaker’s spokesperson, Mr. Matthew Okache, dismissed the protest, insisting that due process was followed.

“Agbor’s suspension was lifted by the House after serving suspension via the recommendation of a committee that was set up to dig into the matter,” Okache said.

The post C’River Speaker criticized for reinstating lawmaker accused of domestic violence appeared first on Vanguard News.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, has been formally charged with influence peddling and bribery following a multi-year criminal investigation that has rocked Spanish politics.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado issued the ruling on Monday, and Gómez is now set to stand trial.

The judge has charged Gómez with four counts: influence peddling, embezzlement, business corruption, and misappropriation, while dismissing a separate allegation of professional intrusion for insufficient grounds.

In his ruling, Peinado concluded that Gómez’s position as the Spanish president’s wife served “to influence” and allowed her “to access institutionally exceptional interlocutions,” and that she offered companies a competitive advantage by exploiting her proximity to the government.

The probe was opened in April 2024 to determine whether Gómez had exploited her position as Sánchez’s wife for private benefit, an accusation both she and Sánchez have consistently denied.

The initial complaints were filed by Manos Limpias, an organisation linked to far-right causes that has gained notoriety for politically motivated lawsuits, with Spanish law permitting such complaints even from parties not directly harmed.

Gómez came under scrutiny after right-wing outlets probed her ties to companies that received public funds, including Air Europa, a Spanish airline that received a €475 million pandemic bailout.

The sponsorship of the academic chair she co-directed at Madrid’s Complutense University was described by the judge as a “facade” for “concealed remuneration for future benefits” linked to the Spanish government.

The embezzlement charge centres on whether an official employed in the premier’s office, Cristina Álvarez, worked for Gómez during her past academic role at the Complutense University at the expense of her public duties.

The judge cited emails sent by Álvarez to third parties that “clearly seem to exceed her duties” and constituted “sufficient evidence,” arguing that the arrangement “could represent a diversion of public resources in favour of private interests.”

The path to Monday’s ruling has been far from straightforward. An earlier attempt by Peinado to send Gómez to trial on embezzlement charges was overturned on appeal in February 2026, with a higher court ruling that the move was “premature and lacks factual, legal and procedural grounding” and instructing the case to return to a preliminary investigation phase.

Just last week, Peinado notified the parties of a revised request to proceed with a jury trial, citing alleged embezzlement, influence peddling, and corruption, with Monday’s formal charging order following from that renewed push.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has long requested the dismissal of the case. The Prosecutor argued there were insufficient grounds for embezzlement and found nothing suspicious about the amounts Gómez earned for her work at Complutense University, approximately €34,000 between 2012 and 2022, of which €9,131 pre-dated Sánchez’s rise to power.

Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said the investigation had “embarrassed many citizens and judges” in Spain and warned that damage to the justice system’s reputation would be lasting.

The PSOE has attributed political motivation to the judge’s actions, with both Gómez and Sánchez maintaining her innocence and characterising the proceedings as politically driven.

The charges deepen political pressure on Sánchez, whose Socialist-led minority government has been shaken by multiple corruption probes ahead of a general election next year.

His brother David Sánchez is also under investigation over claims that his government position as a regional music director was created for him, and could face trial on charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, and misuse of public funds.

If the case proceeds to trial, as now appears likely, Gómez will face a jury, as required under Spanish law for serious offences including influence peddling and embezzlement.

She is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and no trial date has been set.

Spanish Prime Minister’s Wife Formally Charged With Corruption is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Premier League has confirmed that Anthony Taylor will referee Sunday’s crucial clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.

Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin, with Paul Tierney the fourth official.

John Brooks has been appointed to man the VAR and will be assisted by Stuart Burt.

The top two teams will face off at the Etihad, in a game that could decide the destination of the title.

Arsenal are still top of the log with 70 points, six ahead of City who have a game in hand.

A win for Pep Guardiola’s men will put them in pole position to topple the Gunners in the coming weeks.

EPL: Referee for Man City vs Arsenal title clash confirmed

By Edwin Philip, Lafia

Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have taken their protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State headquarters in Lafia, demanding the reinstatement of its national executives, said to have been removed from the electoral umpire’s portal.

Speaking during the protest today, the women leader of the ADC , Hajiya Hafsat Ibrahim,  said the party has no faction, as its national chairman is Sen. David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola as the secretary, stating that the removal of their names was done in bad faith and demanding the removal of the National Chairman of INEC.

“We are calling on the national chairman of INEC to resign because that is not what we are expecting from him. INEC should be impartial. Why should he interpret the court judgment to suit himself?”

“He even said that if we go to our national convention, he is not going to recognize our leaders because we are here to seek justice,” he demanded.

She added that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not the exclusive preserve of the few in power, emphasizing that they can watch as the country becomes a one-party state.

She said, “We must have a say in our country, this is our land, we don’t have anywhere to go to,  this is democracy, we can’t agree on a one-party system in Nigeria.

She, however, called on the international community to pay attention to the trajectory of democracy in Nigeria before it collapses into an autocracy.

“We have to defend ourselves, ADC belongs to all, including youth and women, and we are youth and women of Nigeria, that is why we come to the INEC office in Nasarawa State as youth and women of Nasarawa State to share our concern that what is happening in INEC is not supposed to be so,” she said.

According to her, if their demands are not met, they will return to the INEC office to occupy the place to drive home their demands peacefully in accordance with the law.

Reacting to their demands, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Shehu Wahap, who called selected protest leaders to the INEC premises, commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and promised to relay their concerns to the authorities.

He said the protesters’ actions are part of democracy and constitutional.

“In democracy, you don’t just have your say, but you must be part and parcel of the process. Thank you for all your demands on the National Chairman. Your peaceful protest is noted, your request is noted.”

“I am sure, just as you have done here, you have done the protest in the headquarters. I believe strongly that the due process of the law will eventually take its course, the law will take its course, and we will know where we will go from here.

He further commended them for keeping democracy alive and continued to demand that they keep it alive. He assured them that they should expect a good election not only in Nasarawa State but across the whole of Nigeria.

The post ADC Nasarawa protests at INEC office, demands Amupitan’s resignation appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Esther Onyegbula

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday dismissed as false a widely circulated message alleging an impending cult clash in parts of the state, assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm.
The Command, however, said it has intensified security presence across the affected areas, including Shitta, Akerele, Itire/Aguda, and Ishaga axis, to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said proactive measures were immediately taken following initial reports, with the deployment of personnel and operational assets to the identified locations and adjoining communities.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has directed sustained patrols, strategic positioning of officers, and increased visibility policing at all flashpoints.
“The areas are well secured, and adequate security coverage has been emplaced to deter any unlawful gatherings or activities,” the statement said.

The Command reassured residents of their safety, urging them to continue their lawful activities without fear, noting that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain fully on the ground to maintain peace and order.
It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could cause panic, advising members of the public to rely only on credible and official sources.

Residents were further encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or via designated emergency lines.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to sustain its efforts to ensure peace and security across the state.

The post No cult clash in Lagos, police intensify security in Shitta, others — CP Fatai appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Kaduna State Police Command has said it arrested no fewer than 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and rescued seven abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations across the state in March and April 2026.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he outlined the command’s achievements in its ongoing fight against violent crimes.

Muhammad said the operations, driven by intelligence gathering and strategic deployments, also led to the recovery of 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 50 rustled cows.

“Within the period under review, the Command recorded significant successes, particularly in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he said. “Through intelligence-led policing and the commitment of our officers, we have arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims.”

The police boss noted that among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally made Dane guns were recovered.

“On April 7, 2026, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Samaila Ilyasu and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he stated.

He added that two suspected kidnappers were also apprehended on April 11 in Makarfi LGA.

“The suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping activities, and investigations are ongoing,” Muhammad said.

The commissioner further disclosed that several informants aiding bandits were also arrested during the period under review.

“One Ali Usman, arrested on March 16 in Kachia LGA, specialised in supplying information to bandits. Similarly, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu were arrested for providing intelligence and logistics support, including illicit drugs, to criminal elements,” he said.

In a related development, the command intercepted a consignment of ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn.

“On April 1, 2026, operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects, who confessed to transporting the items to a fleeing accomplice,” the CP added.

Muhammad also disclosed that a notorious drug dealer identified as Mohammed Sani, popularly known as “Shanuna,” was arrested in Rigasa for alleged involvement in drug peddling, phone snatching, and gang-related crimes.

He said, “The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs.”

The police further recorded success in tackling cattle rustling, with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 20 stolen cows in Giwa and Soba LGAs.

Similarly, operatives apprehended two suspected kidnappers linked to criminal activities in Kubau LGA, while another suspect was arrested in Lere LGA for alleged involvement in kidnapping operations.

Muhammad added that 13 suspects involved in armed robbery, phone snatching, and thuggery were arrested in Rigasa following a coordinated raid.

“All the suspects confessed to their involvement in armed robbery, shop breaking, and other criminal activities,” he said.

The command also arrested four suspects linked to motorcycle snatching and recovered a stolen TVS motorcycle, while another suspect was caught with stolen construction materials from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium site.

“These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all law-abiding citizens,” Muhammad stated.

He assured residents that the command would sustain its operations until all criminal networks in the state were dismantled.

“We will not relent in our efforts until Kaduna State is safe for everyone,” he added.

The commissioner, however, appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible information.

“The cooperation of the public has been instrumental to these successes. We urge citizens to continue to partner with security agencies to build a safer society,” he said.

Muhammad also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership, and Governor Uba Sani for his support to security agencies in the state.

Police Arrest 41 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Seven Victims In Kaduna is first published on The Whistler Newspaper