Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Merseyside Police arrested an Everton fan during his side’s match against Manchester City for alleged racist abuse towards Antoine Semenyo.

The supporter was apprehended at the Premier League fixture between the sides at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, which finished 3-3.

Police said a 71-year-old man from Nottinghamshire was arrested “on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence” after “supporters and stewards reported that racist abuse was shouted by a fan”.

“An investigation into the incident during the match remains ongoing and we continue to work closely with Everton FC,” said a police statement.

“He has now been bailed with conditions, which includes not to go within one mile of any designated sports stadium in a period of up to four hours before kick-off, during the match and up to four hours after the game has ended.”

Everton said in a statement that “behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated”.

“Racism and discrimination in all forms are completely unacceptable. They have no place in our stadia, our sport or in society,” the club said.

“The club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigation and will take the strongest possible action in line with its zero-tolerance approach.”

It is the second time Ghana international Semenyo, 26, has been the target of racist abuse this season.

While playing for former club Bournemouth in the opening Premier League match of this season, Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during their 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.

Semenyo subsequently said more should be done to tackle racism in football, including possible prison sentences for those convicted of abuse.

Manchester City praised the “swift action” of Everton and Merseyside Police.

The club said England defender Marc Guehi, 25, also suffered online racist abuse following the match.

“We are incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guehi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night,” said a City statement.

“We will continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”

Everton Fan Arrested For Alleged Semenyo Racist Abuse is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United Arab Emirates, UAE, has come under a large-scale drone and missile attack attributed to Iran, with strikes hitting critical infrastructure and prompting widespread international condemnation amid rising fears of regional conflict.

Authorities in the UAE said multiple drones and projectiles targeted strategic installations on Tuesday, including a major port facility where explosions triggered fires and disrupted operations.

Although air defence systems intercepted several incoming threats, some projectiles reportedly struck their targets, damaging infrastructure and injuring civilians, including foreign nationals.

The incident has intensified tensions across the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, raising concerns about the safety of maritime traffic and energy supplies.

Global leaders reacted swiftly to the development, condemning the attack and expressing support for the UAE.

Joseph Aoun declared “full solidarity” with Abu Dhabi, describing the strikes as “an assault on humanitarian values and international law.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, called for restraint, emphasising the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to allow diplomatic efforts to continue.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, condemned the attack as “unacceptable,” particularly following reports that Indian nationals were among those injured, while urging the need for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

From Europe, António Costa urged Tehran to return to negotiations, warning that sustaining the ceasefire and reopening maritime routes are essential for regional stability.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, described the strikes as “unprovoked,” commending the UAE’s defensive response and calling for de-escalation.

The UAE government characterised the attack as a serious escalation and indicated that it reserves the right to respond, even as diplomatic pressure mounts on Iran to halt further hostilities.

Security analysts have warned that the coordinated strikes represent a significant escalation, increasing the risk of direct confrontation among regional powers and posing potential threats to global energy markets.

UAE hit by drone, missile attacks as global leaders condemn escalation

Phil Foden has reached an agreement in principle over a new four-year deal at Manchester City.

The 25-year-old’s current contract was due to expire next summer but fresh terms will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2030, with the option of another year.

Though midfielder Foden has struggled for form in recent months and has not scored since 14 December, a new contract signals a commitment from both parties to continue working together.

Foden came on as a substitute in Monday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Everton, which leaves City five points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

The midfielder will be hoping to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Last month, boss Tuchel said Foden’s place in the squad is not guaranteed despite being the only player to start both games in England’s final camp before the tournament.

Foden was given his first-team debut as a 17-year-old by boss Pep Guardiola and has gone on to make 365 appearances for City, winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups.

Despite his recent form, former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney says Foden has to “play every game” for City.

“I think you have to put him in the team,” he said on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show. “I love watching him play, I love his little movements, how he gets into the pockets of space. It’s not nice watching him sitting on the bench.

“I think he was doing well [this season]. He’s had bad moments, but when you have a bad moment and you’re taken out and put on the sidelines for weeks on end, I just think a player of that quality, you have to just keep playing him.

“You’ve got [Jeremy] Doku there who can do anything. You’ve got [Antoine] Semenyo, who can go outside, come inside.

“It’s real power, pace and raw speed going up against you, so I don’t know whether that’s a reason why Foden’s not playing. Pep may want a little bit more help defensively.”

Foden Reaches Agreement Over New Man City Deal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The immediate past National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-East, Mustafa Salihu, has joined the Adamawa State governorship race.

Salihu unveiled his nomination and expression of interest forms to a crowd of supporters in Yola on Tuesday afternoon, when he also officially opened his campaign office.

Addressing the gathering, he craved their support all the way towards achieving his ambition to lead the state, urging all APC members to remain loyal and united, as party cohesion is critical for victory.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, said Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s record demands a capable successor, describing the former APC zonal leader as possessing such capability.

Also present at the event were Senator Binta Masi Garba; former House of Representatives member Captain Yusuf Buba; and serving members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, among others.

Ex-APC North-East chairman Salihu joins Adamawa governorship race

A tragic road accident on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge has claimed the life of a woman, while her 30-year-old daughter survived the crash.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed that the incident occurred earlier in the day at the Ilaje inward Iyana Oworo axis of the bridge.

According to the agency, the crash involved a head-on collision between two Toyota Sienna vehicles with registration numbers LSR 809 GV and LSR 695 HM. The impact of the collision, authorities said, highlights the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly excessive speeding.

LASTMA officials explained that upon receiving a distress call, operatives on routine patrol quickly moved to the scene and immediately put traffic control measures in place to prevent further incidents. Safety cones were positioned to secure the area and protect other road users.

Personnel from the Oworonsoki Police Division also responded promptly and were actively involved in documenting the incident and initiating necessary legal procedures.

The agency confirmed that one female adult lost her life in the crash, while her daughter, who was in the same vehicle, survived.

The remains of the deceased have since been evacuated by security operatives. Meanwhile, LASTMA officers, working with other agencies, stayed on ground to manage traffic and ensure there were no additional accidents.

Authorities further disclosed that one of the drivers involved fled the scene after the crash. However, the second driver was apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.

“In the aftermath of the crash, one of the drivers absconded from the scene. However, the second driver was promptly apprehended by LASTMA personnel and subsequently handed over to the police to facilitate thorough investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law,” the agency said.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warned motorists against reckless driving, stressing that over-speeding remains a major cause of fatal accidents.

He urged drivers to be more careful, obey speed limits, and maintain discipline while on the road.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring smooth traffic flow across Lagos State.

Mother dies, daughter survives in Third Mainland Bridge crash

The Imo State Police Command has commenced coordinated search and rescue operations following the reported abduction of a 17-year-old student of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Miss Mary Ezinwayi Uzoma.

The 100 level microbiology student was reportedly kidnapped along the FUTO/Ihiagwa Road in Owerri West LGA.

The Command said it had, in synergy with local vigilantes, promptly mobilized to the scene, where adjoining bushes and surrounding areas were immediately subjected to intensive search operations as part of ongoing efforts to locate the victim.

Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Tuesday, said the State Police Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the case and sustain intelligence-led operations in synergy with other security agencies.

“The directive are parts of proactive measures aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the victim and the swift arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement said.

Pkoye added that following the development, the CP has reinforced security deployment across the FUTO axis and adjoining communities, with sustained patrols, surveillance and visibility policing already ongoing.

He assured students, school authorities and residents of the state of the Command’s unwavering commitment to their safety, and urged them to remain calm, vigilant and continue their lawful activities.

“The Imo State Police Command remains proactive and resolute in its mandate to prevent crime, protect lives and property.

“Members of the public with useful information are encouraged to report at the nearest police station or contact 0803 477 3600,” the statement added.

Imo: Police deploy operatives to rescue abducted FUTO student

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, in Niger State has cautioned farmers against the excessive use of chemicals on crops, both during cultivation and storage, citing serious health risks to consumers.

This warning was issued during a promotion and advocacy campaign against roadside drying of food items held in Doko, Lavun Local Government Area, where the state Business, Marketing and Development Officer of VCDP, Mrs Elizabeth Yisa, linked several health challenges to poor food handling practices.

She expressed concern that despite continuous sensitization, some farmers reportedly still misuse chemicals, posing serious health dangers to the society.

“Many farmers ignore recommended guidelines for chemical application, instead of using the approved measurement mixed with water, some reportedly apply up to six times the required quantity in a bid to accelerate crop growth.

“These chemicals remain in the food even after processing, even as excessive use during storage also puts consumers at risk,” she observed.

Yisa also advised cassava processors to properly fry garri rather than rely on roadside drying, and to use clean and controlled environments where drying is necessary, noting that the programme trains farmers on safe practices across the value chain.

Also, Nurse Leah Yisa of IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, warned that excessive chemical intake through food and drying food on dirty areas can lead to severe illnesses, including cancers such as leukemia and lung cancer, among others.

“We educated participants on the dangers of excessive chemical use in food production. These substances can accumulate in the body and lead to serious health conditions over time,” she said.

Religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, Pastor David G. and Alhaji Mohammed Alkali m, who attended the advocacy programme, pledged to take the message back to their congregations, raising awareness among farmers and consumers about the dangers of roadside drying and the misuse of agricultural chemicals.

Also, participants, including Mrs Grace and Audu Dazhr, both farmers, decried the habit of exposing food meant for consumption to dirty environments, noting that it endangers both producers and consumers.

They also called for the revival of sanitation teams within local councils to enforce hygiene standards in food processing areas and ensure safer handling of agricultural produce.

VCDP warns farmers against excessive agrochemical use, roadside drying

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court awarding N100m in damages against it in a defamation suit filed by two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

It described the ruling as a travesty of justice and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the judgment in Abuja on Monday, ruling in favour of DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.

The court awarded them N100m in damages, reduced from the N5bn they originally sought, alongside N1m in costs and 10 percent post-judgment interest until full payment is made.

The court also ordered SERAP to publish public apologies in national newspapers and broadcast outlets.

The suit stemmed from SERAP’s September 2024 statements following an incident at its Abuja office, where it alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its premises after the organisation issued demands for investigations into alleged corruption at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

SERAP said, “This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria.” The organisation further argued that the decision reflects “a troubling pattern under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability.”

It has instructed its lawyers, including Senior Advocates Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, to appeal. It described the case as “a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy.”

The organisation maintained that its statements were directed at institutional conduct rather than individuals, insisting that its publication did not name the DSS operatives involved. It also argued that there were inconsistencies in the DSS account of the incident, including discrepancies in identification details and conflicting explanations about the nature of the visit to its office.

SERAP further stated that the ruling fails to reflect the evidence presented in court and warned that it creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civic engagement.

According to the group, “Strategic lawsuits against public participation undermine the rule of law by diverting judicial processes from their proper purpose —justice to repression.”

The organisation reiterated its commitment to continue its anti-corruption and transparency advocacy, saying, “We stand resolute. We will continue to defend civic space, promote transparency, and advance accountability in Nigeria.”

SERAP To Appeal N100m Defamation Judgment In DSS Suit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The 14th witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, confirmed on Tuesday that a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment voided the refund of school fees paid to the American International School by Yahaya Bello for his children to the EFCC.

While being cross-examined by the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, Nicholas Ojehomon, an Internal Auditor with the American International School, Abuja, read out the part of the judgment, which indicated that the American school erred by refunding the school fees in contention to the EFCC.

The court had said that the school could not unilaterally grant the request for refund by a third party – the EFCC – except in accordance with the agreement or upon a court order.

The witness was told to read out part of the Certified True Copy of the judgment in the suit no FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023, filed by Ali Bello against AISA.

He quoted the judgment as saying, “It is hereby declared that the Defendant CANNOT LAWFULLY and unilaterally grant the ‘request for refund’ and pay over to a third party, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or anyone howsoever described, the sum of $760,910.84 or any other sum paid pursuant to the ‘Agreement for Prepaid School Fees except in accordance with the said agreement or upon an order of court.

“It is hereby declared that any refund/payment of the sum of $760,910.84 or any other sum made to a third party, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or any other person, however described, pursuant to any request for refund, or howsoever described, without regards to due process or agreement of the Claimant is in breach of the Agreement for Prepaid School Fees.”

The court, according to the CTC read out by the EFCC witness, also gave “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant whether by itself, its trustees, members of staff, agents, privies, representatives and or any person howsoever described, from giving effect to any request for refund and/or paying over the sum of $760,910.84 or any other sum paid pursuant to the Agreement, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or anybody or account, howsoever described, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or with recourse to the due process of law”.

After reading out the portions required, the witness admitted that the judgment implied that the school was wrong to have refunded the said fees to the EFCC without a court order.

“The third relief you read says you were wrong in refunding money to the EFCC,” the defendant’s counsel said.

“Yes,” the witness responded.

The witness was also shown the agreement for the prepaid school fees, marked Exhibit AX4, and he confirmed that Yahaya Bello was not a signatory.

Ojehomon, who said he had worked as an internal auditor for AISA for about eight to nine years, added that no payment originated from the former governor.

The court had, during the examination-in-chief of the witness admitted the CTC of the judgement with suit No FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023 between Ali Bello and American International School, Abuja, as Exhibit AO.

Justice Maryann Anenih, thereafter, stepped down an application challenging the jurisdiction of the Court for ruling and adjourned sitting to May 8, .2026 for continuation of trial.

Yahaya Bello: No court order mandates America Intl School to refund school fees to EFCC – Witness

Murtala Sule Garo has been sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of his predecessor nearly six weeks ago.

The oath of office was administered by the state’s Chief Judge in a ceremony held in Kano in the presence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Garo, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Kano State, was nominated by Governor Yusuf to replace Abdussalam Gwarzo, who resigned from the position on March 27, 2026.

Former presidential spokesman Bashir Ahmad congratulated Garo on his inauguration, expressing hope that he would work effectively alongside the governor to advance development and prosperity in the state.

Garo Sworn In As Kano Deputy Governor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper