Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Chief Billy Osawaru, the House of Representatives member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in Edo State, is set to declare his bid for a second term in the 2027 elections.

His declaration will take place on April 30, 2026, at the APC Secretariats in Ehor and Abudu, Edo State.

Osawaru, who holds a PhD in International Business and years of corporate experience, currently chairs the House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and serves as vice chairman of the Poverty Alleviation Committee.

His legislative efforts include a bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ehor. He has also sponsored a bill proposing a Federal College of Agriculture in the constituency, which passed first reading, and another bill seeking to create a Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Projects he has facilitated in the constituency include road grading across parts of Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode and the installation of solar streetlights in several communities.

He has also supported existing health facilities and runs empowerment drives through his outreach platform, “Billy Media.” In 2025, he received a Humanitarian Service Award at the Edo Festival and Awards ceremony held in London.

Born on October 7, 1971, Osawaru holds the traditional title of Obazuhunwa of Benin.

Billy Osawaru Lunches Re-Election Bid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Parents, advocates, and policy stakeholders under the Nigerian Women in Leadership Coalition (WIL Coalition) have called for urgent national reform of Nigeria’s parental leave system,

They described the current framework as unequal, burdensome, and economically limiting.

At a public activation held on Monday at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja, the coalition launched the Best Start campaign.

It called for the adoption of a national parental leave framework, guaranteeing a minimum of 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and two weeks of fully paid paternity leave across all sectors.

The coalition stated that Nigeria’s current leave policies leave mothers with only 12 weeks of maternity leave with half salary, and zero days of paternity leave for fathers, besides those working in the Federal civil service and a few states.

“This means that for most fathers in the private sector, there is no consistent statutory protection, creating unequal access to care during the most critical period of early childhood development’’, it stated.

According to the coalition, the proposed reform seeks to establish a unified national standard applicable across federal, state, and private sector employers, supported by clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and end the existing patchwork of inconsistent policies.

It called for legal protection against pregnancy and caregiving discrimination; transparent public reporting on employer compliance; and a structured pathway to extend parental leave protections to informal sector workers over time.

Citing economic evidence, the coalition noted that Nigeria could unlock up to $23bn in economic value by closing gender gaps in workforce participation.

Speaking, the Executive Secretary, WISCAR, Ekimini Akpapan, said: “Nigeria does not have a functioning parental leave system. There is no national standard for paternity leave. And maternity leave provisions are inadequate. We have fragmented rules across states and employers.”

On his part, a father, Samson Elijah, regretted that he did not have enough time to bond with his daughter.

He said: “As a working father, with no leave, I did not have enough time to spend with my child during the early days. Most times I come back at night, and the child is already asleep”.

A grandmother, Mrs Priscilla Shinshima, also lamented that her daughter, who is a nursing mother, was forced to return to work after 12 weeks at 50% payment.

“As a grandmother, my daughter was forced to return to work after 12 weeks at 50% payment. 12 weeks is not enough for recovery, which affects your productivity. Also, the 50% payment is not enough support,” said Shinshima, a nurse.

Another father, Joshua Chinedu, said: “I believe the two weeks are necessary so that the dad can help the new mum. It also helps the dad to have a good relationship with the child”.

In her argument, a Senior Program Officer, Nigerian Governors
Forum, Tolu Abdul, said: “Evidence shows that parental leave does not cause productivity to drop. Instead, it improves retention. As we all know, talent stays when care is supported.”

Stakeholders Seek 16-Week Maternity, Two-Week Paternity Leave is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A witness, Chinedu Eneanya on Monday, April 27, 2026 told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, a total sum of $6.23billion was allegedly siphoned from the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of funding foreign election observers.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Emefiele on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence.

Eneanya, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, as the 13th prosecution witness, PW13, told the court that he was part of the team assigned to investigate the allegations against the defendant.

According to him, investigations revealed that the sum of $6.23 billion was removed from the coffers of the CBN purportedly for the funding of foreign observers for the 2023 general election.

He further stated that individuals connected with the movement of the funds were invited and interviewed during the course of the investigation, while relevant documents authorising the release of the funds were recovered from the CBN.

The witness added that findings from the investigation showed that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were forged to facilitate the release of the funds.

He disclosed that forensic analysis conducted on the documents confirmed that the signatures attributed to the two officials were not genuine.

Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, Eneanya told the court that five CBN officials who signed the internal memo relating to the transaction were suspended by the bank.

Earlier in the proceedings, Burkaa had applied for the foreclosure of the prosecution’s case should it fail to present its remaining two witnesses at the next adjourned date, alleging a pattern of delay aimed at frustrating the defendant.

Responding, Oyedepo opposed the application, stating that the prosecution was not attempting to delay proceedings but was facing challenges in securing the attendance of the remaining witnesses, who are said to be outside the court’s jurisdiction in Benin-City and Lagos.

He urged the court not to shut out the prosecution from presenting its case.

Justice Muazu advised both parties to reserve their arguments on the application until the stage of final addresses. He also directed the prosecution to liaise with the court registrar to facilitate the issuance of subpoenas for the witnesses.

The matter was subsequently adjourned till Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has condemned the killing of one of its staff, Oladipupo Akinola, who was shot during an enforcement operation in Wuse II.

In a statement signed by Kingsley Madaki, media aide to the AMAC Chairman, the council described the incident as a “cold-blooded murder” that occurred in broad daylight on 24 April 2026 at NITEL Junction.

According to the statement, Akinola, an officer in the Mobile Advert Permit Department, was part of a team checking vehicles with expired operational permits when they stopped a Hilux vehicle linked to a Chinese company.

The council said the situation escalated after two men dressed in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) uniforms arrived at the scene.

“Instead of calming the situation, they turned aggressive,” the statement said.
“One of them fired a gun at close range, killing Mr. Akinola on the spot.”

AMAC alleged that the attackers also threatened people at the scene, seized the impounded vehicle, and fled.

Reacting, the council’s leadership said, “We will not be intimidated by the barrel of a gun.”
It called on the NSCDC to urgently identify those involved, asking: “Are these your officers or are they hired mercenaries in your uniform?”

The council said the case has been reported to the police and demanded a “swift, transparent, and thorough investigation.”

It added that authorities are probing any link between the Chinese company and the armed men.
“No entity, foreign or domestic, is above the laws of the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement said.

Describing the incident as “a dark day for Abuja,” AMAC said the killing of a public officer while carrying out official duties is an assault on the state itself.

The council also expressed sympathy to the victim’s family, calling Akinola “a hero of the grassroots.”

“His sacrifice will not be in vain. Justice must be swift. Justice must be seen. Justice must be served,” the statement added.

AMAC condemns killing of staff during enforcement operation in Abuja

Malian forces have reportedly foiled a suspected coup attempt following coordinated attacks across key parts of the country.

It raised fresh concerns about stability following the exit of foreign troops from the Sahel nation.

According to reports attributed to the Malian Armed Forces, the attacks began on Saturday, hitting strategic locations in the capital, Bamako, and spreading to major cities including Gao, Kidal, Kita, and Sévaré.

Military and administrative sites were among the main targets.

Security sources described the operation as a coup-style attempt allegedly backed by foreign interests, with multiple armed groups said to have taken part.

Some analysts also linked the offensive to a coalition of insurgent and separatist factions operating across the Sahel.

A security report cited by local media claimed that thousands of fighters were involved in the attacks, with attempts made to seize critical infrastructure, including the presidential palace and key airbases.

“The operation reportedly included attempts to seize key infrastructure, including the presidential palace and other strategic sites,” the report stated

Malian troops, supported by personnel from the Africa Corps, reportedly pushed back the assaults and retained control of major military bases, government facilities, and Bamako’s international airport.

The Malian Army said its forces maintained control of all strategic positions, including the national arsenal in Kita, preventing what officials feared could have escalated into a wider crisis.

Unconfirmed casualty figures circulating in security circles suggest heavy losses among the attacking groups, with hundreds killed and dozens of vehicles destroyed.

However, authorities have yet to release official figures.

In a separate development, the government confirmed the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara, though details surrounding his passing were not immediately disclosed.

Some reports also alleged the involvement of foreign fighters and mercenaries in parts of the operation, particularly in northern regions.

These claims have not been independently verified, but officials insist the attacks formed part of a broader attempt by external actors to destabilize the country.

Meanwhile, claims in some international outlets suggesting that allied forces lost ground to rebels have been dismissed by local sources.

Local sources said all major cities and critical infrastructure remain under government control.

Local media claim Russian Africa Corps has been actively present in Africa, tactically repelling insurgency attacks in the Sahel region, with the latest being the April coordinated rebel operations.

The report claims that the effective action of the Africa Corps repelled a large scale attack along the contact line stretching over 2,000 km.

Western media had earlier reported that the Africa Corps has surrendered and entered a deal with the Tuareg rebels, hoisting a white flag and surrendering Kidal to the rebels.

But private media sources from Mali on Sunday, April 26, revealed that the Malian international airport remains functional, stressing that attacks on the main cities have been completely repelled.

In the meantime, the Russian Embassy in Mali and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not publicly commented on the recent attacks or on the heroic actions of the Africa Corps.

Neither Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor foreign diplomatic missions in the country had issued formal statements on the incident as of press time.

Analysts say the development highlights the fragile security situation in Mali, where authorities have increasingly relied on new military partnerships after the withdrawal of earlier foreign forces.

Malian forces thwart suspected coup d’etat, allege foreign sponsorship

Cross River State Government has appealed to the Nigerian Navy for collaboration in areas of medical training, particularly in residency programmes and specialist support services.

The Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, made the appeal, noting that the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, has capacity in areas such as radiology and obstetrics, which can complement state health services.

Ayuk made the plea today when he received the Medical Director of the hospital, Commodore Amodu Muhammed, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the ministry.

He assured the delegation of the state government’s willingness to facilitate higher-level engagements, including with Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to address areas of mutual interest.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Navy to enhance healthcare delivery and improve medical services across the state.

He said the Navy hospital is a critical pillar in the state’s healthcare system, noting that its consistency in service delivery, especially during industrial actions in other health institutions, has made it a reliable alternative for residents.

“For us, the Navy hospital in Calabar is a very important safeguard for sustainable healthcare services. When other institutions experience service disruptions, the hospital remains operational and continues to serve the people,” he said.

The commissioner emphasized the need for stronger collaboration in areas such as data sharing, medical training, and specialist support, stressing that harmonised health data is essential for effective planning and policy formulation.

He also disclosed that the state would intensify regulatory oversight of healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with professional standards, adding that the ministry would soon commence visits to facilities to strengthen coordination and data reporting.

Speaking earlier, Commodore Amodu Muhammed said the visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, noting that the hospital remains open to both military personnel and civilians.

He explained that the 100-bed tertiary facility offers a wide range of specialised services, including internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, radiology, and public health interventions.

According to him, over 60 percent of patients treated at the hospital are civilians, with more than 12,000 patient encounters recorded between January and March 2026, alongside about 150 deliveries, 250 surgeries, and nearly 900 admissions within the period.

Muhammed said the hospital also serves as a training centre for medical professionals, including resident doctors, interns, and students from various institutions, including the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State.

Cross River seeks support from navy for medical training, residency programmes

Businesswoman and sociallite Aisha Achimugu has dismissed claims that $13 million was recovered from her residence, insisting that only $50,000 and N13 million were found during a raid on her home.

Achimugu made the clarification on Monday while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

She said the widely circulated figure of $13 million was inaccurate and misleading.

Recall that the EFCC had last year declared Achimugu wanted.

According to the EFCC, Achimugu was wanted by the agency in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

The EFCC had also reportedly carried out a search operation at her residence as part of its probe, with conflicting reports emerging afterward regarding the amount of money recovered.

The businesswoman also declined to provide further details on the alleged $13 million, noting that the matter is already before the court.

Achimugu also questioned the origin of the $13 million claim, stating that she is not in the habit of keeping such large sums of money at home.

She said: “First, I won’t go so much into the detail of $13 million. As you know, it’s a matter in court. It will be prejudice for me to talk about, you know, what’s already in court.
And I still believe strongly in our judicial system in Nigeria. So I know that the right decisions will be made at the due time.

“But let me also correct an impression that $13 million was not found in my house when my house was raided.

“My house was raided, yes, but only $50,000 and N13 million naira belonging to my mom was found in my house, and then again, my personal belonging.

“I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank, so I won’t keep $13 million in my house. I have kids who go to school abroad, so it’s important that you have those currencies kept away for emergencies.”

Only $50k, N13m found in my house by EFCC not $13m’ – Aisha Achimugu

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, has announced the establishment of a police post around the Ibogun Campus of Olabisi Onabanjo University to enhance rapid response, improve police visibility, and strengthen community policing initiatives.

The announcement was made following a midnight attack and robbery of student hostels on Saturday.

DAILY POST reported that the suspected robbers, numbering 12, allegedly stormed the hostels, shot sporadically, and carted away phones, laptops, and other valuables.

The Commissioner of Police on Monday, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Bolanle Muritala, and the Area Commander, Ifo, ACP Seyi Williams, visited the university campus to assess the prevailing security situation and engage critical stakeholders on measures aimed at strengthening safety within the institution and its surrounding communities.

Upon arrival, the CP held a strategic engagement with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola; the Provost, College of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Professor Bashir Odufuwa; His Royal Highness, Oba Timothy Sowumi, the Olu of Ibogun-Sowumi; as well as principal officers of the institution and community leaders.

Ojajuni assured all stakeholders that the command had carefully assessed the security situation and would immediately strengthen policing around the university and adjoining communities.

He emphasized increased patrols, proactive policing strategies, and sustained engagement with stakeholders as part of efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment.

He also engaged sister security agencies, including the NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, and So-Safe Corps, on improved collaboration for effective security coverage of the area.

Meanwhile, he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing, inter-agency synergy, and continuous engagement with all stakeholders in sustaining peace and security within Ogun State.

OOU: After students’ attack, Ogun CP establishes police post around varsity community

Troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Borno State.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post shared via his X handle.

Sources told Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:00 p.m. on April 26 in the Dadingel and Ngirbuwa general area.

According to the sources, the ambush team made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, leading to a gun battle.

“During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, bandoliers, grenades, and other accessories,” the sources said.

The recovered weapons and items were secured by the troops for further action.

The sources further noted that while the general security situation in the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, troop morale and operational effectiveness remain satisfactory.

Troops neutralise two terrorists in Borno ambush

The newly installed Mogaji of the Agunbiade dynasty in Ode Aje, Alaadorin, Oluyoro Oke-Offa area of Ibadan, Chief Tolulope Akinkunmi Afolabi, has declared that his installation as Mogaji of the dynasty is an opportunity for him to render more services to his kinsmen and the people of Ibadanland in general.

The legal practitioner made this disclosure shortly after his installation by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The event, which attracted family members, friends, kinsmen, and notable personalities, was held at the Olubadan Palace on Monday.

Afolabi, while speaking with DAILY POST at the event, said that he had been rendering different selfless services to the people of the area and Ibadanland in general.

He, however, said that his installation is another opportunity for him to render more services to the people of the area and Ibadanland in general.

Afolabi added that the implementation of programmes and ideas that will uplift the living conditions of his kinsmen and the people of Ibadanland will be his main priority.

He also disclosed that he will work to support the security agenda of the current Olubadan in order to ensure the promotion of law and order in the ancient city.

Afolabi said: “Prior to becoming Mogaji today, I have been able to make some moves, erecting structures, providing electricity, solar lights; I was able to provide that. There are quite a number of things I intend to do: quality education, health programmes, empowerment programmes. We will provide different channels for people to live meaningful lives.

“Even before this staff was handed to me, we understood that leadership must be proven, not proclaimed. By the grace of God and with the support of my siblings and the youth wing of this house, I completed the installation of solar-powered street lights across the expanded compound in December 2025 to light up the Agunbiade family compound.

“Our mothers and children can now move at night without fear. Darkness has no place in a house that intends to lead. This project was implemented with full support of sons and daughters of Agunbiade at home and abroad, showing what unity can achieve.

“On security, we will strive to create a digital register of all residents and tenants in the Agunbiade compound. This will be shared with local security agencies in support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland’s security agenda.”

My installation will spur me to do more for kinsmen, Ibadanland – Afolabi