Author: Tribune Online

The Ayetoro Gbede community in Ijumu Local Government Area has called on critics of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to

The Ondo State Police Command has begun investigations after a 28-year-old man, Femi Agbeye, allegedly attacked and killed two of his female siblings and a five-year-old girl, said to be his daughter, in the Government Reserved Area, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 8 at the Agbeye family residence on Doctor’s Road, Okitipupa, where the suspect was said to have gained access to the apartment, locked himself inside and carried out the attack.

When the NTA crew visited the scene, the suspect’s father, Ade Agbeye, alleged that his son had a history of substance abuse and prior violent threats against family members.

“He had been involved in the use of illicit substances and had been threatening to kill his mother and me for some time,” he said.

He added that the situation escalated fatally on the day of the incident.

“When we entered the house, we saw the bodies of the children on the floor in their mother’s room. I immediately went to the police to inform them about the incident,” he said.

Ade further claimed that the suspect had earlier been arrested but was released against his wishes.

“He had previously been arrested but was released against my wishes before going on to commit this heinous act,” he added.

Some residents in the area also said the suspect was seen forcing his way into the apartment before the attack.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, stating that investigations are ongoing.

“The command assures the good people of Ondo State, particularly from Okitipupa, that due diligence will be carried out in this case and nobody should be apprehensive or raise any unnecessary alarm,” he said.

He added that the command would ensure justice is served.

“The command is capable, and we will ensure that justice is served,” he said.

Man Kills Daughter, Two Siblings In Ondo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

China has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform designed to support people living with Parkinson’s disease, as the country grapples with a rising burden of age-related illnesses driven by its rapidly ageing population.

The system, developed by Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, is expected to ease pressure on healthcare services by reducing repetitive consultations and expanding access to reliable medical information for patients and caregivers.

Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, is increasingly common among older adults, with symptoms ranging from tremors and stiffness to impaired balance and coordination.

With China’s large and ageing population, the number of people living with the condition has continued to grow, placing additional strain on specialists and long-term care systems.

According to Chen Biao, director of the hospital’s Parkinson’s disease clinical research and treatment centre, the AI platform can handle up to 90 per cent of routine patient enquiries, allowing physicians to devote more time to complex and critical cases.

Built on more than two decades of clinical research, the tool integrates medical records, academic studies, reports, educational materials, and peer-reviewed global literature to deliver evidence-based responses.

Accessible via smartphones, the platform enables users to ask questions about the disease and receive verified information instantly.

However, it does not provide personalised treatment recommendations, ensuring that diagnosis and treatment decisions remain under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

The service is also linked to the hospital’s digital system, allowing users to schedule appointments and access prescription services more efficiently.

Developers say future upgrades will incorporate wearable technology to assist with medication tracking, rehabilitation, daily care, and mental health support, with the aim of creating a more comprehensive, long-term care model for patients.

The initiative reflects China’s broader push to leverage technology in addressing healthcare challenges associated with an ageing society, while improving access to care for millions living with chronic conditions.

China Unveils Digital Doctor For Parkinson’s Care is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Iran has dismissed claims that it charged Indian oil tankers fees for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with its envoy to India describing the reports as untrue.

Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi, Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, said Indian vessels that recently moved through the strategic waterway were not required to pay any tolls to Tehran.

He emphasised the strong ties between both countries despite current global tensions.

“In this difficult time, we have good relations. We believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate,” the ambassador told reporters.

The clarification comes amid heightened attention on maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the American navy to block the strait, targeting vessels alleged to have paid toll fees.

Iran denies charging Indian tankers fees in Strait of Hormuz

Singapore has announced plans to admit about 40,000 permanent residents annually over the next five years as part of efforts to manage demographic pressures and sustain long-term economic growth.

The policy adjustment, disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during the Budget 2026 Committee of Supply debate in Parliament, reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to balance population growth with workforce demands and an ageing society.

According to the government, the planned intake is slightly higher than the approximately 35,000 permanent residents granted in the previous year, signalling a gradual but deliberate increase in admissions.

Gan explained that immigration levels would continue to be carefully managed in line with demographic realities and national capacity.

“We estimate an intake of about 40,000 PRs annually in the next five years, slightly higher than the 35,000 PRs we granted last year,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable citizen base to ensure social and economic stability.

“We must maintain a stable citizen core, hopefully one that is growing modestly over time, to keep our society and our economy dynamic and vibrant,” he added.

Official figures show that Singapore’s permanent resident population has remained steady at around 540,000 in recent years, with PR status continuing to serve as a key pathway toward citizenship.

In addition to PR admissions, authorities expect to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years, depending on fertility rates and broader population trends.

Gan noted that PR approvals would remain flexible, shaped by applicant suitability, demographic needs, and infrastructure capacity, as the government continues to refine its long-term population strategy.

The policy forms part of Singapore’s broader approach to sustaining economic competitiveness while addressing persistently low birth rates and an ageing population.

A comprehensive review of the country’s population framework is expected by 2030 as policymakers reassess future labour and demographic requirements.

Singapore Plans 40,000 New Permanent Residents Annually Next Five Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Special Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra, Barr Aloy Ejimakor, has accused the federal government of contempt of court following the listing of IPOB as a terrorist sponsor by the FG.

Ejimakor was reacting to the inclusion of his client among the terrorist groups in Nigeria by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee. Aside IPOB, NIGSAC included Ansaru Sudan, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Simon Ekpa, and Tukur Mamu among terrorist financers in Nigeria.

Reacting through his X, Ejimakor wrote, “The recent publication by the Federal government naming the #IPOB amongst terrorist sponsors is contempt of court because the case is still pending before the Supreme Court and therefore subjudice. I know this for a fact, because I personally signed and filed the appeal.”

He cited that in February this year, he had filed a suit challenging the designation of IPOB as a terrorist group by the federal government.

IPOB is founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment over treason-related offences. He is however challenging his conviction at the Court of Appeal.

FG Designating IPOB As Terrorism Sponsor Contempt Of Court- Ejimakor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

By Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, that it was blocked from accessing Eagle Square.

Read Also: ADC convention on the brink as Abuja venue crisis deepens

This was as he moved to calm public anxiety over the recent structural damage at the Kugbo Bus Terminal.

Wike spoke on Monday in Abuja during project inspection tour.

He described claims of politically motivated access denial to Eagle Square as “unfounded” and described them as “attempts to gain public sympathy.”

According to him, no formal application had been received from any of the parties raising the alarm.

He stressed that Eagle Square remains open to all groups so long as they follow due process and pay the required fees.

“We do not deny access; these events actually generate revenue for the government.

“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to.

“If it is the African Democratic Congress ADC, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.

He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited AICL, the agency in charge of the facility and payment of required fees.

Wike also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, but the National Sports Commission, NSC.

‘No application’

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

The minister also doused growing public concerns over the condition of the Kugbo Bus Terminal after a recent structural damage caused by a windstorm.

Wike clarified that the severe windstorm had damaged the terminal’s roofing sheets — a consequence, he explained, of the building’s elevated terrain — but insisted the structure itself remains sound.

Repairs, he said, are already underway, and he urged the public to disregard the collapse narrative, stressing that no lives were lost.

On the infrastructure front, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work across several project sites and announced firm completion timelines. Road works are expected to wrap up by May 15, with full streetlights installation to follow by May 31.

The minister was also at the Wassa artisan site — a purpose-built hub designed to permanently relocate mechanics and informal sector operators who have long operated without dedicated facilities.

“Successive administrations have promised this relocation, but we are finally fulfilling that commitment,” Wike stated.

According to him, government is already working out the modalities for moving artisans into the new facility, and credited the overall pace of delivery across projects to what he called a “mutual commitment” — one in which contractors meet deadlines and the government, in turn, ensures they are paid promptly.

Vanguard News

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Nigerian singer, Lekan Osifeso Jr., popularly known as Lojay, has revealed that he initially saw becoming a pop star as an opportunity to womanise, but

Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have destroyed an illegal refining site and recovered about 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed in a post on X that the operation was carried out in the Orashi National area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, where troops uncovered and dismantled the illegal facility as part of efforts to curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Security sources told Makama that the raid took place around 10:00 a.m. on April 11 and involved a joint team from the 5 Battalion, 16 Brigade Garrison, and 103 Battalion (Motorised).

According to the sources, troops discovered equipment used for the illegal operation, including two long galvanized pipes measuring about 500 metres and three hoses estimated at about 100 metres.

A large reservoir containing stolen crude oil estimated at about 20,000 litres was also recovered at the site.

Other items found included a big drum oven and a receiver containing refined products estimated at about 12,000 litres.

The sources added that a large cooling system, two active small drum ovens, and two drum receivers containing products suspected to be kerosene, estimated at about 80 litres, were also uncovered.

“They said all discovered items were destroyed in situ in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,” the sources said.

The sources reaffirmed that troops will sustain operations to dismantle illegal refining activities and curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Troops destroy illegal refinery, recover 20,000 litres in Rivers

‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja
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Ayetoro Gbede Community in Ijumu Local Government Area has asked those distracting the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, calling for his resignation, to desist and allow him to do his job.
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‎Sons and daughters numbering over 1,000, mainly youths, took to the streets of the community for a Solidarity Rally where they affirmed their support for the INEC Boss, who they described as a man of integrity.
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‎The Youths were carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Stop Campaign of Calumny Against Our Son,” “Thank you, Mr. President, for the Choice of Professor Joash Amupitan,” “Stop Trying to Pull him Down,” among others.
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‎The National President of Ayetoro Gbede Development Association (AGDA), Mr. Samuel Olorunmaiye, who spoke on behalf of the community, described Amupitan as a man of integrity who had served the Nation in different capacities.
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‎”Firstly, he served as Head of Department, Public Law, University of Jos. He later served as the longest serving Dean of Faculty of Law in the same University, and after that, he was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, of the University.
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‎”Prof. Amupitan is a man of value, and we value him. I want to tell Nigerians to allow him to do his job, and by the grace of God, we know that he is going to succeed.”
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‎Olorunmaye urged Ampitan to remain focused and deliver a free, fair, and transparent election come 2027.
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‎According to him, the allegations that the INEC boss is partisan are baseless and untrue, saying as a legal luminary, he understands the sanctity of his office.
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‎Also speaking, the Youth Leader of the Community, Elijah Babatunde, said that come the community, both home and diaspora are solidly behind him.
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‎Babatunde enjoined him not to be distracted by non-state actors but remain focused and carry out his official duty in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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‎The Youth Leader maintained that calls for the resignation of Prof. Amupitan were not the first time, as some Nigerians in the past had called for the sack or resignation of the head of the electoral umpire.
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‎”Linking the INEC Chairman to a political party is politically motivated to distract him from performing his official assignment.
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‎”Prof. Joash Amupitan that we know is a man of integrity and will never compromise standards. He is not a politician; he is a neutral person who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to head the commission.
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The post ‎’Leave our son alone’ – Amupitan’s kinsmen tell ‘distractors’ appeared first on Vanguard News.