Author: Vanguard News

  • Nigerian migrant who failed UK driving tests kills pensioner in car crash

    Nigerian migrant who failed UK driving tests kills pensioner in car crash

    A Nigerian migrant who twice failed his UK driving test killed a pensioner in a horror crash after exploiting a learner licence loophole, an inquest has heard.

    Timothy Kusemi, 41, was driving unsupervised on a provisional licence when he hit 70-year-old Susan Whittles in 2023. She died at the scene and her husband was seriously injured.

    Kusemi admitted causing death by dangerous driving last month and was jailed for six years.

    The case exposed a legal loophole allowing some overseas drivers to remain on UK roads while holding foreign or provisional licences.

    Coroner Lorraine Harris said: “If a national of a non-designated country fails any number of driving tests within the 12-month period, they are still able to revert and rely on their 12-month limit to drive on their foreign/international licence in the UK, despite not meeting the safety standards.”

    She warned there was no system to stop repeat test failures from continuing to drive unsupervised and called for urgent law changes.

    Kusemi arrived in the UK in 2022 and failed his driving tests twice before the fatal crash, the inquest heard.

    He later went on to fail more tests before eventually getting a UK licence in 2025.

    Vanguard News

    The post Nigerian migrant who failed UK driving tests kills pensioner in car crash appeared first on Vanguard News.

  • NESREA Launches Carbon Capture Initiative To Reduce Emissions

    NESREA Launches Carbon Capture Initiative To Reduce Emissions

    The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has launched a Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) platform in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to promote environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in Nigeria.

    The launch, held in collaboration with the Africa Carbon Management Technology & Innovation Centre of Excellence (ACMTI) and the Clean Energy Ministerial Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Initiative (CEM-CCUS Initiative), brought together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and development partners.

    In his keynote address at the occasion, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor described the project as an important milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and industrial transformation.

    He said the solution offered by CCSU provides an economically viable pathway for industrial decarbonization, enabling effective management and deployment of carbon to areas of need, such as production of beverages, cement manufacturing, production of chemicals and fuels, enhanced oil recovery and Agriculture.

    Barikor stated, “We need to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere to beneficiary levels, so carbon capture and utilization give us opportunity to capture carbon in storage and use it in other spheres for industrial purposes. We are building a circular economy, turning challenges into economic opportunities in line with regulatory provisions.”

    He disclosed that the CCUS Platform is a collaborative ecosystem designed to integrate all stakeholders including government institutions, industry leaders in key sectors, the academia, technology developers, development partners and investors.

    Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill in his remarks, commended NESREA for the initiative, which he said represents a practical mechanism for coordination, innovation, and action toward Nigeria’s 2035 targets and wider energy transition aspirations.

    He said UNIPORT was well positioned to host the CCUS Initiative, noting that the Energy Technology Institute in the school had built credible expertise in energy transition-related areas that are directly relevant to the success of CCUS in Nigeria.

    Coordinator of the ACMTI and facilitator of the CTIP, Dr. Richard Victor Osu said the vision was to position Nigeria as a regional leader in carbon management technologies while contributing meaningfully to Africa’s climate commitments and global decarbonization efforts.

    He said the choice of Portharcourt stems from the identification of the city as one of the potential CCUS hubs in the country, adding that the Platform would focus on advancing research and innovation in CCUS technologies, supporting capacity building and technical expertise, encouraging public–private partnerships, promoting investment opportunities and facilitating collaboration with international research and technology partners.

    Juho Lipponen, the Coordinator of CEM CCUS Initiative, said his organization would assist Nigeria prioritize CCUS in ministerial clean energy conversations and improve carbon management deployment programmes.

    The Hybrid event had speakers from the United States, Paris, Brazil, Canada, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, who shared insights on the project.

    The launch had key stakeholders in attendance, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the academia, the private sector and development partners.

    NESREA Launches Carbon Capture Initiative To Reduce Emissions is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Terrorism: VDM laments death of three Brigadier-Generals, urges Tinubu to resign

    Terrorism: VDM laments death of three Brigadier-Generals, urges Tinubu to resign

    Popular Nigerian social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman, VDM has lamented the unfortunate death of three Brigadier-Generals of the Nigerian Army killed by terrorists from 2021 till date.

    DAILY POST recalls that Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkushu was killed in November 2021 during an ambush by, Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP in Borno State.

    Similarly, Brigadier-General Musa Uba was in November 2025, ambushed and killed by terrorist in Borno State.

    In another sad incident, Boko Haram fighters on Thursday killed Brigadier-General O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, alongside several soldiers.

    Reacting, VDM in a video post on his Facebook called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, alleging that the security crisis deteriorated in his tenure.

    In the video he captioned “President Bola Tinubu does not have the solution, he should resign”,

    VDM insinuated that there could be a political undertone regarding the lingering security crisis.

    He said, “From 2021 till now, we have lost three Brigadier-General trying to protect our lives. All they know how to do is to drop press statements after the incident.

    “We have been facing these security problems for a very long time now. Every year, Boko Haram gets more strength. Nigerians are in a big mess.

    “Right now in Kwara State, there a lot of homes have been abandoned. Niger State as of yesterday, I saw people crossing rivers, abandoning their homes. The same issues in Nasarawa and Borno State.

    “You don’t even know when and where they will attack next. Don’t let anybody fool you, the Nigerian Army doesn’t have more people than those men.

    “At the end of the day, everything boils down to politics and the question is why? President Bola Tinubu attacked Goodluck Jonathan over the insecurity and it has gotten worse since he came.

    “You don’t even need any campaign for 2027, you have done four years already and there is no solution”.

    Terrorism: VDM laments death of three Brigadier-Generals, urges Tinubu to resign

  • Taraba ‘ghost workers’ go spiritual over 10 months unpaid salaries

    Taraba ‘ghost workers’ go spiritual over 10 months unpaid salaries

    A group of workers in Taraba State, controversially labeled as “ghost workers,” have resorted to spiritual means in their struggle to secure payment of 10 months’ unpaid salaries.

    The workers, made up of both Christians and Muslims, gathered on Friday at the Al-Huda Mosque in Jalingo, where they held special prayers seeking divine intervention over their prolonged hardship.

    Led by their convener, Abdurrauf Sani, the group appealed to Agbu Kefas to urgently address their situation.

    Sani said the workers have endured months of financial strain, revealing that six members of the group have died during the period, while another is currently battling hepatitis amid mounting medical and living expenses.

    He expressed frustration that repeated efforts to resolve the issue through official channels had failed, leaving them with no option but to seek divine help.

    “We are not ghost workers; we are staff of the Taraba State Government,” Sani insisted, questioning why they were being treated differently.

    He added that the group plans to continue its spiritual approach by holding prayers at the Gospel House Church on Sunday, emphasizing their demand for full payment of the outstanding salaries.

    “The suffering among our people is becoming unbearable. That is why we are here praying for God’s intervention,” he said.

    In his sermon, Usman Bakari offered prayers for the affected workers and urged the state government to respond swiftly to their concerns. He, however, commended governor Kefas for achievements in security and education, particularly the introduction of free education, and called for continued public support for the administration.

    The development brings to the fore growing concerns over workers’ welfare in the state, as the affected individuals continue to push for recognition and payment of their entitlements.

    Taraba ‘ghost workers’ go spiritual over 10 months unpaid salaries

  • Brigade commander tasks senior officers on professional growth

    Brigade commander tasks senior officers on professional growth

    The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA)/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, has charged the newly decorated senior officers of the brigade to improve their skill sets, noting that such development is essential in preparing them for higher responsibilities.

    Giving the charge on Friday in Jalingo, Taraba state capital, while decorating the newly promoted officers, he noted that the new ranks come with greater responsibilities and urged the officers to live up to the expectations associated with their positions.

    While commending the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for finding officers from the Brigade worthy of promotion, he also advised those who did not benefit from the recent promotion to remain committed, resilient, and undeterred, so as to benefit from future opportunities.

    The brigade commander who paid glowing tributes to the spouses of the promoted offocers, urged them to continue praying for the officers, so as to enable them effectively carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities.

    Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed expressed gratitude to God for preserving their lives to witness this significant milestone in their careers.

    He also applauded the COAS for their elevation and promised to carry out their responsibilities with renewed vigour and professionalism.

    The beneficiaries further extended their appreciation to the Commander for his support, guidance, mentorship, and for sharing his wealth of experience, which they described as instrumental to their professional growth.

    The senior officers decorated included Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed, Lieutenant Colonel Ali Nasiru, Lieutenant Colonel Adeola Olaleye Adebayo, Lieutenant Colonel VS Aminu, and Wing Commander Domshak Titus Zakka.

    They were elevated from the ranks of Major and Squadron Leader to Lieutenant Colonel and Wing Commander, respectively.

    Brigade commander tasks senior officers on professional growth

  • Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior names best defensive midfielder

    Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior names best defensive midfielder

    Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior, has singled out Moises Caicedo as the best defensive midfielder in the world.

    Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior didn’t hold back in his praise for the Ecuadorian midfielder.

    He hailed Caicedo for his sharp footballing brain, physical dominance, and technical excellence.

    “For me, he is one of the best defensive midfield players, if not the best defensive midfield player in world football,” Rosenior said at his pre-match press conference.

    “His intelligence, his physicality, his technical quality, how he understands the game. He’ll be huge for us on Sunday (against Manchester City).”

    Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior names best defensive midfielder

  • JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres, Warns 25 Others

    JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres, Warns 25 Others

    JAMB has delisted 23 CBT centres for technical deficiencies detected during the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while 25 others with minor issues received warnings.

    One Lagos-based centre, Ha-Shem Academy in Yaba, was permanently barred from JAMB examinations.

    JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, who announced this in a statement on Friday, emphasised the Board’s zero-tolerance stance on substandard examination facilities.

    The delisted centres examination body, centres affected by the delisting span multiple states, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Plateau.

    Among those delisted are centres in key urban hubs such as Abuja and Lagos, including facilities in Maitama and Lugbe in the FCT, as well as several locations across Ikorodu, Lekki, and Ejigbo in Lagos State.

    The exam body said its action followed a comprehensive post-examination review, describing the mock UTME as both a preparatory exercise for candidates and a critical quality assurance mechanism for its examination infrastructure.

    “The Mock UTME, introduced to enable candidates familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment, also serves as a critical platform for the Board to assess its level of preparedness. It provides an opportunity to identify centres that fall short of the required operational and technical standards,” the Board stated.

    The Board warned many CBT facilities nationwide to upgrade or face sanctions, aiming to maintain exam integrity and transparency.

    “The Board has taken decisive steps, in line with its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examination processes, to ensure that only centres that are fully prepared and compliant participate in the main UTME exercise,” the statement said.

    JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres, Warns 25 Others is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • ADC Taunts Tinubu, Says US Rejection Reflects Waning International Confidence

    ADC Taunts Tinubu, Says US Rejection Reflects Waning International Confidence

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of being distracted by political considerations amid worsening insecurity across the country, warning that a recent move by the United States government signals declining international confidence in Nigeria’s security under his administration.

    The party in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the United States’ decision to authorize the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families from Abuja was “not merely procedural, but a clear and consequential signal of declining trust in Nigeria’s security architecture under the current leadership.”

    The ADC said the development came at a time when Nigeria is grappling with escalating attacks across several regions, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central and the Middle Belt, stressing that the Federal Government’s response has failed to produce meaningful results.

    While mourning the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and other soldiers in a recent terrorist attack in Borno State, the party said the tragedy reflects a deeper crisis within the nation’s security framework.

    “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) mourns the tragic loss of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and the brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were killed in the recent terrorist attack in Borno State. We honour their courage and their service. Behind every fallen soldier is a family permanently altered, a future cut short, and a sacrifice that can never truly be repaid,” the statement read.

    The party, however, said, “But even as we mourn, we must confront a deeper and more troubling reality. As of April 9, 2026, the United States government authorized the departure of non-emergency staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja due to a deteriorating security situation. For a country like the United States to take such a step… it signals a clear loss of confidence in the ability of this administration to guarantee safety and stability,” Abdullahi stated.

    Describing the U.S. action as more than a routine administrative measure, the ADC added, “This is not a routine administrative decision. It is a verdict.”

    The opposition party further accused the President of focusing on political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections instead of addressing the country’s pressing security challenges.

    “Yet, at a moment that demands urgency, focus, and leadership, the Nigerian Government appears preoccupied with political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections. The President is so consumed by politics that he is increasingly losing sight of his primary responsibility, which is the protection of the lives of Nigerians,” the statement said.

    Highlighting the scale of insecurity, the ADC noted that attacks, “Across the North-West, North-Central, North-East, and the Middle Belt, attacks have become frequent, coordinated, and devastating. Communities are being overrun, lives are being lost, and citizens are being left to fend for themselves. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a sustained pattern.”

    The party also alleged, “There are credible reports that, in some cases, warnings were issued ahead of attacks, but no effective preventive action was taken. What follows is now predictable: statements, condolences, and assurances that such incidents will not happen again. But they do.”

    While commending the efforts of security personnel, the party insisted that the, “The bravery of our soldiers is not in doubt… The problem lies not with those on the frontlines, but with the system that is meant to support them,” it stated, adding that “the death of a general in active service is not just a tragedy. It is a signal of deeper structural and leadership failures that must be urgently addressed.”

    The ADC maintained that, as Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu bears ultimate responsibility for the country’s security outcomes.

    “This moment demands leadership that is focused, decisive, and accountable. But instead, we are witnessing a President who is so preoccupied with politics that he has reduced his role as Commander-in-Chief to merely issuing condolences and condemnations,” the party said.

    Calling for urgent action, “The ADC therefore calls on the President to refocus his administration on the primary responsibility of protecting lives and securing the country. This requires a clear reset of strategy, improved coordination, and measurable outcomes that Nigerians can see and trust.”

    It added, “Certainly, the current approach, whatever it is, is not delivering results. The President should have the humility to admit that he has failed, and every single life lost under his watch is evidence of this tragic failure.”

    The ADC warned that unless there is a clear shift in approach, both Nigerians and the international community will continue to question the government’s commitment to its core responsibility.

    “This is not about politics. It is about responsibility… Until there is a clear break from the current pattern, both Nigerians and the international community will continue to question the willingness of this government to meet its most basic obligation,” it said.

    ADC Taunts Tinubu, Says US Rejection Reflects Waning International Confidence is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Kwara police intensify crackdown on banditry, hold high-level security meeting in Ilorin

    Kwara police intensify crackdown on banditry, hold high-level security meeting in Ilorin

    The Kwara State Police Command has stepped up operations across the state to tackle banditry and other violent crimes, while also convening a high level security meeting with other agencies to strengthen coordination.

    The development was disclosed in a statement shared on April 9 2026, on the official page of the Command.

    According to the statement, the renewed operations are part of intelligence-led strategies aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing security threats across the three senatorial districts.

    The Command said suspected criminal hideouts and supply routes have been identified, with tactical teams deployed to deny criminal elements freedom of movement, especially in vulnerable areas and along state borders.

    It added that stop-and-search operations, covert surveillance, and enhanced patrols are ongoing to curb the influx of bandits from neighbouring states.

    “The Command has intensified intelligence-led and proactive security operations across the State to prevent and combat banditry and other violent crimes,” the statement read.

    The police further noted that collaboration with other security agencies, including local vigilante groups and hunters, has been strengthened through joint operations and intelligence sharing.

    In a related development, the Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi, also held a strategic security meeting in Ilorin with heads of security agencies in the state.

    The meeting, held at the Command Headquarters focused on improving inter-agency coordination and reinforcing ongoing operations in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

    Security chiefs at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to tackling criminal activities and maintaining peace across the state.

    “The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination and reinforcing ongoing operations to safeguard lives and property,” the statement added.

    The police reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to ensuring safety, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.

    Kwara police intensify crackdown on banditry, hold high-level security meeting in Ilorin

  • EFCC drags suspect to court over alleged N4.3m rice deal fraud in Maiduguri

    EFCC drags suspect to court over alleged N4.3m rice deal fraud in Maiduguri

    The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned one Abdullahi Aminu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri over an alleged fraud involving N4.3 million.

    A statement issued by EFCC said the defendant was brought before the court on a one-count charge of criminal misappropriation involving the sum of N4,305,000.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand Naira).

    The charge reads: “That you, Abdullahi Aminu sometimes in 2025 at Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly convert to your own use the aggregate sum of N4,305,000.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand Naira), monies belonging to Jibrin Abdulrahman purportedly as payment for the supply of rice, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 296 and punishable under Section 297 of the Borno State Penal Code Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith Law, 2023.”

    The defendant, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

    Following his plea, prosecution counsel A.D. Abdulmalik asked the court for a trial date and also urged that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility.

    Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned the case until April 21, 2026, for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional facility.

    According to EFCC, the suspect was arrested after he allegedly diverted the sum of N4,305,000.00 meant for the supply of rice for personal use.

    EFCC drags suspect to court over alleged N4.3m rice deal fraud in Maiduguri