Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a free concert in Osogbo featuring his son, Adebayo Adeleke (B-Red), alongside several music artists from within and outside the state.

The event follows the appointment of the governor’s nephew, Davido, as Head of Youth Mobilisation for the governor’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

In a post shared on Wednesday via his X handle, Governor Adeleke described the concert as a statewide celebration aimed at uniting residents through music and entertainment.

“Osun, this free Concert is for everyone. I am delighted to have my son @B_RedHKN, his friends in the entertainment industry, and exciting upcoming musical acts from across Osun bringing the vibes home!” he wrote.

A poster released by the governor listed several performers billed for the event, including Peruzzi, CDQ, Fido, Shina Peters, May D, Sinarambo, Peller, and Kolu Wahala, among others.

He added that the concert is open to all political affiliations, saying: “This Get Out to Vote Concert is for everyone in Osun State Accord, ADC, APC, LP, PDP no political divide, just pure Osun energy!”

The concert is scheduled to be held at the Technical Field in Osogbo on Friday, April 24, with free entry for residents. Adeleke also urged citizens to attend, stating, “Come out, groove, and let your voice count!”

The development comes as political activities intensify in Osun State ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

Adeleke Hosts Free Concert, Woos Youth Ahead Of Re-Election Bid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim has declared that pro-democracy forces across the country will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system, following a strategic meeting with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana. This was contained in a statement he issued to newsmen on Wednesday . He said the meeting formed part of ongoing […]

The post Gbenga Hashim meets Falana, vows resistance to one-party agenda in Nigeria appeared first on Tribune Online.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Lebanon to cooperate with Israel in dismantling Hezbollah, describing the group as the main obstacle to peace and normalisation between both countries.

Saar made the remarks during Israel’s Independence Day address to ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps ahead of planned discussions in Washington on Thursday.

The talks follow a working level meeting last week, the first direct diplomatic engagement between Israeli and Lebanese officials in decades, facilitated by the United States.

“We don’t have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes that can be solved,” Saar said. “The obstacle to peace and normalisation between the countries is one: Hezbollah.”

He added that Lebanon could achieve “a future of sovereignty, independence and freedom from Iranian influence” if it takes steps to dismantle the group.

Hezbollah, widely regarded as an Iran backed armed group, has long been a major security concern for Israel, particularly amid recent escalations that triggered Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. Israel says the group poses a threat through rocket and anti tank attacks targeting northern communities.

Israeli forces currently maintain a security buffer zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into southern Lebanon. The zone, according to Israeli officials, is intended to prevent attacks and will remain in place until Hezbollah’s military presence in the area is addressed.

Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have said the buffer zone is a defensive measure, stressing that lasting peace depends on Lebanon asserting control over its territory and curbing Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south of the Litani River.

The upcoming Washington talks are being viewed as a potential step toward de escalation, although both sides acknowledge significant challenges remain.

United States officials have described the discussions as a “historic opportunity,” while emphasising that any agreement must address Hezbollah’s role and Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Lebanese officials have previously called for a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel continues to insist on concrete steps to limit Hezbollah’s capabilities.

The developments come amid ongoing regional tensions, with Israel maintaining that addressing the threat posed by Hezbollah is essential to both its security and Lebanon’s long term stability.

The Washington negotiations are expected to test whether diplomatic efforts can build on recent military developments toward a broader settlement.

Israel Urges Lebanon To Cooperate In Dismantling Hezbollah is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has warned Nigerians over a surge in fraudulent messages, emails and online communications targeting unsuspecting individuals in a bid to gain unauthorised access to their bank accounts.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank said the deceptive messages are crafted to mislead recipients, harvest sensitive information and circulate false claims about the bank’s leadership and operations.

According to the CBN, the scam messages typically urge recipients to click on suspicious links and disclose confidential details under the pretext of official directives.

“These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links, peddle false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, are intended to hack personal accounts,” the statement said.

The bank stressed that its only official website remains www.cbn.gov.ng and advised the public to verify any communication through authorised channels.

It cautioned Nigerians against engaging with unverified links or sharing personal and financial information on dubious platforms, noting that such actions could expose them to cyber fraud.

The CBN also urged members of the public to report suspicious messages, emails or websites to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the financial system, the apex bank said it is enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with security agencies to curb digital financial crimes.

CBN raises alarm on fake emails, links used to hack bank accounts

American rapper Fat Joe has claimed that he and others pressured Nigerian singer, BNXN, formerly known as Buju, to change his stage name.

Fat Joe explained that they bullied the Nigerian artist into changing his stage name because his former stage name, Buju, was disrespectful to Jamaican dancehall legend, Buju Banton.

The rapper disclosed this during a podcast interview featuring himself and Buju Banton.

“There is a fake guy in Africa using the Buju name, we dissed him on tv, shut him down, he changed his name. I told him there is only one Buju Banton,” he said.

Buju Banton stated that his stage name is special to him because it was given to him by his mother unlike many artists, who coined their names or got it from friends.

He explained that his mother named Buju but he added the suffice Banton in honour of a Jamaican DJ he admired so much.

“Most people [artists] get their names from their friends or coin it. But my name came from my mom. Then I added Banton due to my admiration for Burr Banton,” he stated.

DAILY POST recalls that BNXN initially started his music career with the stage name “Buju” but later changed it to his current name due to alleged copyright issues.

How we made Nigerian singer Buju change his name because of Buju Banton – Fat Joe

Barcelona are reportedly planning a summer fire sale, with midfielder Frenkie de Jong among five high-profile players they are willing to let go.

Though the Netherlands international has long been a pillar in the Blaugrana’s engine room, his recent campaigns have been repeatedly disrupted by injuries.

As reported by MARCA, De Jong headlines the list of potential departures this summer.

Joining the 28-year-old are Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Casado.

De Jong is under contract until June 2029, but his recurring fitness issues have raised serious concerns.

This season alone, he’s missed 11 matches due to various injuries, including a hamstring problem that sidelined him for 45 days.

With Marc Bernal back in the fold and De Jong among the club’s top earners, his future looks increasingly uncertain.

Elsewhere, Lewandowskiwhose deal runs through June 2026, is reportedly nearing an exit.

Rashford’s loan spell is also set to end this summer, and after a quiet showing, particularly in the Champions League quarterfinals, a return to Manchester United seems likely.

La Masia product Casado has fallen out of regular favour under manager Hansi Flick, while Christensen has been sidelined since December with an ACL injury.

De Jong among five high-profile players Barcelona want to sell this summer

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining democracy in Nigeria, declaring that the system of governance will endure despite ongoing challenges.

Speaking on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Enugu State led by Governor Peter Mbah, the President said his government would take all necessary steps to ensure the realization of the Nigerian dream.

Tinubu expressed confidence that democracy would prevail in the face of intimidation, urging supporters to remain focused and disregard critics.

He emphasized that his administration remains committed to building a prosperous nation for future generations and would not be distracted by opposition voices.

The President also criticized some opposition politicians, accusing them of undermining democratic values while publicly claiming to support them.

He referenced past policies, including the privatization of the power sector, which he said had contributed to ongoing electricity challenges in the country.

Reiterating his administration’s priorities, Tinubu said the government would continue to focus on improving citizens’ welfare, economic prosperity, and long-term national development.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential, noting that the country remains a leading force in Africa in terms of growth and opportunities.

According to him, contributions from stakeholders across the country are helping to sustain Nigeria’s position on the continent.

Tinubu said: “We will do everything to ensure that the Nigerian dream is realised. The hope you enunciated in your remarks is not a pipe dream. It’s real and achievable, and we’ll achieve it together.

“Democracy will survive despite all intimidation. Ignore the naysayers. Stay focused. When you succeed, and they are angry, let them be.

“I do not lose sleep over criticism because we are committed to building a nation of bright hope for our children.

“These are leaders who had privatised electricity, which is not working. They gave us darkness, and we are trying to get through it.

“But they don’t even believe in the democracy that they preach all about. Don’t pay attention to them because I don’t.

“We stay on our lanes. We stay focused. We build our life on people, the welfare, the prosperity, and the promise of today and tomorrow.”

Nigeria’s democracy’ll survive despite intimidation – Tinubu

Thousands of young people took to the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday to protest recent increases in petrol and diesel prices.

The demonstrations, mobilised largely through social media under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, drew significant participation from young Kenyans expressing frustration over rising fuel costs and the broader cost of living.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura had earlier cautioned against the protests, warning of their potential economic impact.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Mwaura urged organisers to reconsider the demonstrations and instead engage the government through dialogue.

“We want to strongly urge against the protests set for tomorrow. During the 2024 protests, we lost over KSh 6 billion, according to the Kenya Revenue Authority. Will it benefit Kenyans? Will it even lower the price of fuel?” he said.

He added that while the government respects the right to peaceful assembly, large-scale protests could disrupt economic activity, strain public resources, and negatively affect businesses and livelihoods.

The protests came amid growing public dissatisfaction over fuel price hikes, which have contributed to increased transportation costs and inflationary pressures across the country.

Authorities had in recent weeks called for calm, stating that measures were being implemented to stabilise fuel prices and cushion citizens from global market fluctuations.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed support for the youth-led protests, describing them as a legitimate form of civic engagement, while noting that the formal opposition did not directly participate.

The demonstrations are expected to intensify public debate over rising living costs and government economic policies in Kenya.

Youth Protest Rising Fuel Prices In Kenya is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A property developer, Cecil Osakwe, has lamented what he described as the persecution of entrepreneurs with prolonged court cases, which he says has made the Nigerian business environment a hostile one.

Osakwe, a lawyer and managing director of Alkire Partners Nig Ltd, is currently facing several legal battles arising from property investment, including an ongoing ₦300 million alleged illegal eviction and property damage case before an Abuja Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Reflecting on court cases that trail investments in the property sector, the developer noted that business success in high-value sectors like real estate often attract prolonged legal battles. According to him, the situation punishes rather than protects enterprise.

Speaking further, he said, “Land acquisition continues to be one of the most sensitive aspects of property development in Nigeria.

“Developers must navigate complex ownership structures, verify land titles, and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to conduct proper due diligence often leads to disputes, delays, and financial losses.”

In the case marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, Osakwe and co-defendants, including lawyer Victor Giwa, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on criminal intimidation, threat to life, forceful eviction and destruction of property estimated at ₦300 million.

The proceedings have been repeatedly stalled, with arraignment adjourned multiple times as the Director of Public Prosecution reviews the charges.

He noted that business disagreements that should be resolved through civil processes are frequently escalated into criminal allegations, triggering investigations and long-drawn court appearances.

“When you succeed in high-value sectors, you suddenly become a target. What starts as a civil land dispute quickly turns into a criminal case. The process itself becomes the punishment.

“Nigeria often celebrates entrepreneurship in policy speeches and investment summits, hailing the private sector as the engine of growth.

“In reality, many business owners face reputational damage long before any verdict, operational disruptions from endless court dates, mounting legal fees and stalled projects that deter investors.”

Noting that time is capital for entrepreneurs, he stressed that prolonged cases can lead to lost financing opportunities, expired contracts, abandoned developments and workforce instability. “Even when cleared, the damage to business momentum is often irreversible.”

Osakwe also highlighted rising concerns in the business community over perceived selective intervention of law enforcement agencies in what are essentially commercial disputes.

He observed that the issue has led many entrepreneurs to operate defensively, diverting energy from innovation and expansion to legal protection and risk avoidance.

“The ripple effects hurt the national economy. Nigeria competes globally for capital, but investors prioritise predictability and institutional fairness. When successful entrepreneurs appear vulnerable to legal uncertainty, capital flows elsewhere, local businesses scale cautiously, and informal models thrive over formal, job-creating enterprises,” he added.

Entrepreneurs persecuted with prolonged court cases in Nigeria – Osakwe

The Nigeria Police has told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to permit a Nigerian-American engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, to testify virtually from the United States in the ongoing N152 million fraud trial involving property developer, Olukayode Olusanya.

Prosecuting counsel, CSP Monday Omo-Osagie, who made the request before Justice Musa Kakaki through a motion on notice, informed the court that all parties have been duly served and had filed their respective responses.

According to him, the application is supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

While making his submission, Omo-Osagie urged the court to grant the application, arguing the affidavit evidence before the court had not been materially controverted and should be deemed admitted.

He also asked the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit filed by the first defendant and to hold that the second defendant failed to properly oppose the application, having filed only a reply on points of law.

The prosecutor further submitted that the rules of the court expressly permit the taking of evidence by electronic means in appropriate circumstances, particularly where a witness is outside the jurisdiction and unable to attend physically.

Omo-Osagie argued that refusing the application would occasion unnecessary delay in the proceedings and hinder the expeditious determination of the case, especially as the witness is central to the prosecution’s case.

The prosecuting counsel maintained that adequate safeguards exist within the court’s procedures to ensure that virtual testimony does not prejudice the defendants, noting the defence would still have full opportunity to cross-examine the witness in real time.

Responding, counsel to Olusanya, the first defendant, Agboola Adeleke, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application. He argued that the relevant law requires the physical presence of witnesses for examination and cross-examination.

Adeleke argued that allowing virtual testimony would undermine the defendants’ right to fair hearing, particularly their ability to observe the witness’ demeanour.

He further contended the reasons given for the witness’s absence, such as his residence abroad and alleged health challenges, were not supported by credible evidence.

In the same vein, Jude Ehiedu, counsel to Oak Homes Limited, the 2nd defendant, opposed the application, urging the court to carefully consider the arguments raised in their filings and to uphold established procedural requirements.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter to May 12, 2026, for ruling on the application.

Olusanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, is standing trial alongside the company on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, frau and stealing, filed by the Nigerian Police Force.

The defendants were arraigned on November 26, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution alleged that between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, Olusanya and the company’s former Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Lynda Umeh (now at large), defrauded Ugbebor of N152 million.

According to the charge, the money was allegedly obtained under the pretext of selling two three-bedroom apartments at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a promised delivery date of February 28, 2019, which was not met.

N152m fraud: Police asks court to allow US-based engineer testify virtually