Author: Daily Post Nigeria

A coalition of stakeholders, Concerned Niger Delta Patriots for Transparency and Resource Justice, CNDPTRJ, has asked President Bola Tinubu to terminate the multi-billion naira pipeline surveillance contract over concerns bordering on alleged conflict of interest.

The contract, meant to curb oil theft and boost Nigeria’s oil production capacity, is being handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by a former Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by Comrade Maxwell Efe, the coalition, comprising community leaders, youth groups, environmental advocates and other stakeholders from oil-bearing communities across the Niger Delta, argued that Tompolo’s dual role as both pipeline protector and alleged beneficiary of an oil well creates a conflict of interest.

“At the heart of this scandal is the disturbing fact that the very man entrusted with protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines and facilities is himself allegedly linked to ownership of an oil well,” the statement said.

According to the coalition, the development could lead to compromises in surveillance efforts, to favour personal and business interests.

The coalition faulted the way the pipeline protection contract was structured, noting that it concentrated enormous power and funds in the hands of a single individual, creating what it described as a dangerous monopoly that sidelines broader community participation and genuine stakeholders.

Despite billions of naira spent, the coalition said oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism have persisted, while host communities continue to suffer environmental degradation and exclusion.

The Concerned Niger Delta Patriots for Transparency and Resource Justice urged President Tinubu to act without delay by directing the immediate termination, or non-renewal, of the contract. The coalition also asked the President to order a comprehensive forensic audit of all expenditures and performance.

In the same vein, the President was asked to convene a broad-based Niger Delta Security Summit to design a truly inclusive, transparent, and sustainable surveillance framework involving multiple ethnic nationalities and local groups.

“The eyes of the region and the entire nation are on you, Mr. President.

“History will judge whether you stood on the side of entrenched interests or chose the path of bold reform needed to secure our oil assets for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the statement added.

Alleged conflict of interest: Niger Delta coalition seeks termination of pipeline contract

As reported cases of cancer increases across Nigeria, a food scientist in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Idara Emmanuel Okon, has cautioned against consuming random food and drinks, noting that eating unwholesome items can lead to the disease.

Speaking at the 2026 graduation ceremony id Batch ‘A’ Students of IDYJAY Kitchen Culinary School in Uyo, over the weekend, Mrs Okon said cancer related aliments in the country are mostly caused and worsened by random eating of bad food and drinks.

“I am urging Nigerians and indeed the general public to try as much as possible not to eat food randomly, even water because what you take in will either make or destroy you.

“Increased incidences of cancer issues, such as cancer of the head, cancer of the lung, cancer of the eyes, etc, that are being reported in the hospitals are simply because of what you take into your system.

“If you eat unhealthy foods or drink unhealthy drinks, you will end up fast forwarding your death by having a whole lot of health issues as a result of destroying your system.

“It is not actually costly to eat a healthy food or drink a healthy drink but its costly, even more to be in the hospital to treat yourself of one ailment or the other. So you can save yourself all that by eating and drinking what is healthy,” she said.

Mrs Okon, who is the Managing Director of IDYJAY Kitchen Culinary School, said that the vision of establishing the institute was not only to train people to become entrepreneurs but to produce and serve what is healthy for the society.

“Here we have enough skills that we train our students in a lot of things. We train them on food safety, we train them on food hazards, we train them on food presentations, we train them on food quality and standards so that when they go into the labour market they can independently produce what is healthy for the society.

“In this field, certificate do not really count, it is what you can do on your own when you graduate that counts most because if you go for a job interview, you will be interviewed practically on what you can do,” she added.

Cancer: Expert warns against random eating, drinking

A social media post has sparked widespread reactions after alleging that several top government officials failed to attend the funeral of a senior military officer killed in action, opting instead to attend a wedding ceremony in Borno State.

The post, shared by Malam Ahmadu on X, claimed that “10 governors and the Vice President are in Borno for a wedding”, while they “did not attend the funeral of a General protecting Borno.”

The claim referenced the burial of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai. He was among the soldiers killed during insurgent attacks in Maiduguri on April 15.

Footage and images aired by Channels Television showed troops standing guard and conducting full military burial rites for the late commander and other fallen soldiers.

The development has triggered debate online, with some users questioning the priorities of political leaders during a period of ongoing security challenges, while others urged caution, noting that official schedules and security protocols may influence attendance at such events.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the vice president’s office or the offices of the governors mentioned in the viral claim.

Security analysts say the incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding public perception of leadership, especially in regions heavily affected by insurgency.

Governors, VP criticised over alleged wedding attendance amid slain general’s burial

Lagos State Government has released a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at improving digital safety for

Senator Aliyu Wadada, the governorship candidate reportedly backed by Governor Abdullahi Sule for the Nasarawa State election, has visited former governor Tanko Al-Makura to seek his support just hours after Al-Makura criticised the process that produced him.

Al-Makura had earlier faulted Sule for not consulting him before endorsing Wadada and for presenting the candidate to the President prematurely.

In a video posted on the X handle of @NigAffairs, Wadada struck a conciliatory tone during the visit, praising the former governor’s leadership and appealing for unity.

“All the people that are here, and the ones that are not here, they thank you, they thank you for your patience,” Wadada said. “I mentioned patience three times; you and I know what I mean.”

He continued by acknowledging Al-Makura’s role in the state’s development: “After being grateful for your patience, we want to thank you for your leadership. You led this state and have laid a foundation. There’s no gainsaying that the foundation you laid was laid for me.”

Al-Makura, who had earlier opposed Wadada’s nomination, reportedly laughed at that point, drawing laughter and applause from those present.

Wadada also stressed the importance of protecting lives in the state, switching briefly to Hausa to underline his message: “Your Excellency, all of us here are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives of those in Nasarawa; you have that responsibility more than us.”

He explained that the former governor bears greater responsibility, having been among those consulted during the creation of Nasarawa State.

The senator appealed to Al-Makura to remain patient and maintain open communication with him, as he also prayed for the former governor’s good health and for lasting peace in the state.

Recall that Tanko Al-Makura has frowned at the nomination of Wadada, insisting that he was not consulted on the matter.

Wadada seeks Al-Makura’s backing after Gov Sule’s endorsement sparks tension

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line after a severe rainstorm disrupted operations along the corridor.

In a statement, the company said the incident occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, when the line tripped during the storm due to a fault.

According to TCN, the fault was traced to a point about 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end of the line.

Further checks by maintenance teams showed that Tower No. 515 collapsed during the storm, with the structure breaking at its midsection.

The development affected the transmission line, prompting the company to activate emergency measures.

TCN said it has begun moving materials and deploying personnel to the site for the reconstruction of the damaged tower. At the same time, engineers are working to dismantle the fallen structure to allow for safe and quick repairs.

The company, however, assured that efforts are underway to stabilise power transmission in the affected corridor.

“We assure that we will work assidously to restore flexibility and redundancy in that corridor as alternative line is still in service evacuating bulk power. Updates will be provided as work progresses,” the statement said.

TCN noted that while the damaged line is being fixed, another transmission line remains operational and is still carrying bulk electricity supply.

The company added that updates will be provided as repair work continues.

Major power line hit by storm in Lagos, TCN activates emergency response

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has threatened that its members will embark on a total and indefinite strike acros

Paris Saint-Germain have registered their interest in signing Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, PSG have placed Martinelli on their shortlist as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the summer window.

The report added that Luis Campos, the club’s football advisor, has already held talks with the Brazilian’s representatives about a potential move to the French capital.

In addition, PSG have also discussed a deal for RB Leipzig’s highly rated 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano for just £6 million back in 2019, is currently in his seventh season at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old has made over 271 appearances for the Gunners and has found the net 62 times.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Arsenal may be willing to part ways with Martinelli this summer, and would also listen to offers for the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Ligue1: PSG to sign Arsenal star

Kelechi Iheanacho fired a brace as Celtic thrashed St. Mirren 6-2 to book a place in the final of the Scottish Cup.

Iheanacho replaced Yang Hyun-jun in the 83rd minute.

Celtic led 2-0 through goals from Daizen Maeda, and Anthony Ralston.

Mikaël Mandron however scored twice for St. Mirren in the second half to send the game into extra -time.

Iheanacho fired Celtic in front again in the 96th minute.

The Nigeria international scored his second of the game in the 101th minute.

The 29-year-old has now scored six goals across all competitions for the Hoops this season.

Scottish Cup: Iheanacho’s brace powers Celtic to final

U.S. federal authorities have arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and lawful permanent resident, at Los Angeles International Airport over her alleged role in an arms trafficking scheme linked to Tehran.

Prosecutors say Mafi, who resides in Woodland Hills, California, acted as an intermediary in arranging sales of Iranian-manufactured military equipment to foreign buyers.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, she allegedly brokered sales of Iranian-manufactured military equipment, including Mohajer-6 armed drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition, destined for Sudan’s Ministry of Defense.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest, stating that Mafi is accused of violating 50 U.S.C. § 1705. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Mafi became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016. Court documents reference her alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar drone deal, including one reportedly valued at over $70 million.

She is scheduled to make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026.

Mafi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected as the federal complaint proceeds.

U.S. Arrests Iranian Woman In Alleged Sudan Arms Trafficking Case is first published on The Whistler Newspaper