Author: CKN

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer,  Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO) for an alleged N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fraud before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

Nkiruka was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000.

At the commencement of the proceedings,  prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge.

However,  defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the arraignment should proceed in accordance with the law, hence the charges were subsequently read to the defendant.

Count one reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to confer a benefit of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on you under the representation that the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to you and was leased to the company for a period of five years, a representation you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 1(2) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.”

Count two reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, on or about March 21, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), being the property of Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

In view of this, Okezie asked for a trial date and prayed  the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending her scheduled arraignment before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 10, 2026, for another alleged fraud case.

Consequently, Justice Oshodi remanded the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter till July 16, 2026 for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial.

In a related development, Justice Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, granted Blessing Nkiruka, who is being prosecuted for an alleged N36m fraud, bail in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a family member and is required to provide proof of employment, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and a valid phone number. 

The sureties must also submit a valid international passport, tax clearance certificates for the last two years, and six passport photographs

The defendant was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36million

….Advances Gas Pipeline, Other Projects Despite Funding Constraints

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) says less than 10 per cent of the N140bn appropriated to it in the 2026 federal government budget has been released.

The commission disclosed this on Tuesday after appearing before the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission at the National Assembly.

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, chaired the session.

In a statement issued after the engagement, SEDC said it “used the opportunity to highlight progress made despite significant funding constraints,” adding that it had “advanced preparatory work on several strategic regional initiatives, including high—impact transformational projects such as the gas pipeline, railway projects.”

“Of the N140 billion appropriated to the Commission in the 2026 budget, less than 10% has been released to date across all budget lines,” the commission said.

SEDC called on the federal government to speed up releases of its budgetary allocations.

“The Commission emphasised that the scale of development required across the South East demands sustained funding, institutional coordination, and continued collaboration among all stakeholders,” the statement read.

Since its board was inaugurated in February 2025, the commission says it has made progress on multiple fronts.

This includes the South East Vision 2050 stakeholder consultations, which “brought together senior government officials, development partners, business leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders to develop a long-term framework for the economic transformation and sustainable development of the region.”

The commission also reported the launch of the inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP). Through “a transparent and competitive selection process, twenty-five startups from across the South East received equity investment under the Programme.”

The initiative was “designed to catalyse innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment across the region” and is housed within the South East Investment Company, which the commission said seeks to build “a more structured and credible venture capital ecosystem for the South East.”

The SEDC also listed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afreximbank, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Bank of Industry, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, and the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria among its partners.

The Senate Committee had asked for additional documentation on the commission’s operations and budget performance. The SEDC has until 23 June 2026 to submit the materials.

The commission said it “views accountability, transparency, and constructive engagement as fundamental to the successful delivery of its mandate and will continue to provide all information required to support effective legislative oversight.”

The development commission covers Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Its mandate includes infrastructure development and post-conflict reconstruction across the South East.

SEDC Says Only 10% Of N140bn 2026 Budget Released is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

As part of preparations for the state’s planned mass wedding, the Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that nearly 720 prospective couples have so far undergone medical screening across 24 local government areas.

The figure forms part of the 3,000 prospective couples the state intends to marry soon in a state-sponsored mass wedding for the less privileged.

DAILY POST recalls that the Hisbah Board, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, has been mandated to conduct mandatory tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype compatibility, drug use, pregnancy, and other sexually transmitted infections to ensure healthy unions.

The Deputy Commander-General of the Board, Mujahideen Aminudddeen, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the exercise is ongoing, with couples from metropolitan local government areas scheduled to continue their screening on Wednesday at the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) office along Naibawa.

He explained that participants are expected to present copies of their registration forms at the venue, adding that couples from the remaining local government areas will be notified of their screening dates in due course.

The mass wedding programme, revived under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is designed to support widows, divorcees, orphans, and other less-privileged residents by covering marriage expenses and providing financial and household support.

Kano Hisbah screens 720 couples ahead of mass wedding exercise

Former Sunshine Stars player, Kehinde Abiodun had been appointed the club’s scout, DAILY POST reports.

The Owena Waves confirmed Abiodun’s appointment in a statement made available to DAILY POST.

Abiodun is expected to bring his keen eye for talent and vast football knowledge to help discover and nurture the next generation of players. 

His appointment is with immediate effect as they get set for the new campaign.

Sunshine Stars missed out on promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, last season.

They finished in fifth position with 25 points from 16 matches in the NNL Conference A.

NNL: Sunshine Stars appoint Kehinde Abiodun as new scout 

A tragic incident has occurred at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, as one of the candidates contesting for the position of Registrar, Deputy Registrar Dr. Solomon Oluwasola Afolabi, reportedly slumped during the aptitude test conducted as part of the selection process for the appointment.

Sources at the university disclosed that Dr. Afolabi suddenly cried out in distress during the exercise, causing concern among fellow candidates and officials present at the venue. He was immediately rushed to the university’s health centre for urgent medical attention.

However, despite efforts to save his life, he was confirmed dead by medical personnel at the health facility. 

The incident has thrown the university community into confusion as the nature of his death was considered strange given that he suddenly screamed during the test.

 A staff who spoke under anonymity said Dr. Afolabi was among the favourite candidates being considered for the position of Registrar of the institution before he died during the Aptitude test.

 Other candidates in the selection process are Dr. Babatola J.E.T. and Mrs. Adeojo R.T.B.

As of the time of filing this report, the university management had yet to issue an official statement on the development

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate in the last FCT council election, Dr. Paul Moses Ogidi, has called for the immediate suspension of the proposed judgment in Petition No. FCT/ACET/EP/01/2026, citing what he described as unresolved jurisdictional issues surrounding the composition of the Area Council Election Petition Tribunal.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ogidi said the tribunal was allegedly constituted in violation of Section 135(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which, according to him, requires the inclusion of a High Court judge in the tribunal’s composition.

The petitioner argued that the alleged defect raises fundamental questions about the tribunal’s competence to hear and determine the matter.

According to him, his legal team had on April 10, 2026, petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, requesting the reconstitution of the tribunal in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He stated that after receiving no response, a further petition was submitted to the Chief Justice of Nigeria on May 21, 2026, seeking urgent intervention on the matter.

Ogidi said the concerns raised in both petitions remain unresolved despite the tribunal’s reported plans to deliver judgment in the case.

He also disclosed that communications on the issue had been sent to several national and international institutions, including the United Nations, the European Union, the United States Embassy and the British High Commission.

“It is trite law that jurisdiction is the foundation of every judicial proceeding. A court or tribunal that lacks jurisdiction cannot confer validity upon its proceedings by the mere passage of time,” he said.

The petitioner warned that proceeding with judgment while questions over the tribunal’s composition remain unresolved could raise legal and constitutional concerns and potentially affect the validity of any decision reached.

He therefore called for the suspension of the judgment, urgent intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the reconstitution of the tribunal in compliance with the Electoral Act.

Ogidi maintained that the issue extends beyond his petition and touches on the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral justice system, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that all jurisdictional concerns are addressed before any final judgment is delivered.

Ogidi seeks suspension of FCT election tribunal judgement

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, describing the milestone as a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the Indian people.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Modi’s achievement followed three consecutive electoral mandates and underscored his dedication to public service, national development and global leadership.

The Nigerian leader described Modi as a great friend of Nigeria and a personal friend, noting that he admired the Indian prime minister’s wisdom, courage and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his country.

Tinubu also highlighted Modi’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and India, recalling that the Indian leader is a recipient of Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

“This remarkable achievement reflects the enduring confidence and trust the people of India have reposed in his leadership over three consecutive mandates. His dedication to public service, commitment to national development, and influential leadership on the global stage continue to inspire millions worldwide.

“Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire his wisdom, courage, and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his nation,” part of the statement read.

Tinubu congratulates Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister

Fresh controversy has erupted in Obilonu Autonomous Community in Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State following the alleged conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals by the traditional ruler of the community, Eze L.O. Uche, despite a restraining order issued by an Abia State High Court.

An Abia State High Court presided over by Justice Enyinnaya Okezie had, on December 17, 2025, in Okpuala Ngwa, restrained Eze L.O. Uche and two other respondents from bestowing chieftaincy titles on individuals pending the determination of a substantive application before the court.

However, the applicant in the suit and a member of the council, Emeka Chukwunenye, has expressed concern that the traditional ruler went ahead to confer chieftaincy titles in alleged disobedience of the court order.

Chukwunenye, who filed the suit on behalf of the Council/Obilonu Town Development Union, Umunneochi LGA, said the traditional ruler did not consult the Obilonu Town Development Union before taking critical decisions affecting the community.

He claimed that the alleged disobedience of the court order in Suit No. HIN/FR276/2025 is currently causing tension in the community, adding that it violated Article 18 of the Obilonu Community Constitution.

“The court specifically ordered that no chieftaincy titles or similar honours should be conferred on members of the community without consultation with the Council and the Obilonu Town Development Union, as provided under the community constitution,” Chukwunenye said.

Reacting to the allegations on Tuesday, the traditional ruler of Obilonu Autonomous Community, Eze L.O. Uche, said only verbal information was brought to him after the five-day period stipulated for the service of the court order had already elapsed.

Eze Uche, who explained that the applicant in the matter refused to provide him with proof of service, said there was no way a planned community event could have been stopped abruptly without a duly served court order.

“The judge said that I should be served proof of service within five days from the date of the court order, but he only came after the five days had already elapsed. I never received or signed any document containing proof of service,” Eze L.O. Uche said.

He also denied allegations that he sidelined members of his cabinet in decision-making.

Controversy in Abia community over conferment of chieftaincy titles 

Real Madrid have had a 150m euro (£130m) offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real president Florentino Perez last week pledged to make a 150m euro offer for an unnamed “galactico” player if re-elected to his position.

Having successfully retained control on Sunday, Perez made good on his promise.

However, the move for the 26-year-old Argentina international was turned down by his club, who cited Alvarez’s release clause of 500m euros (£430m).

In a statement, Real said: “Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez.

“After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”

Atletico quoted the Real Madrid statement on X alongside a series of laughing emojis., external

In a subsequent post, external they stated: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything.

“We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”

In a final post, Atletico added, external: “P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!”

Former Manchester City player Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, joined the La Liga club in an £81.5m deal in 2024.

He scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico last season as they finished fourth in the table and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Real Madrid’s £130m Alvarez Bid Rejected is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal is attracting interest from top clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
According to reports, Angolan side Atlético de Luanda and Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon are also among the foreign clubs pursuing the goalkeeper.

Reigning NPFL champions Rangers, Plateau United and Kwara United are reportedly in the race for the shot-stopper.

Lawal, who represents Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, is known for his cat-like reflexes, commanding presence and composure.

His performances for Shooting Stars last season have made him a target for both domestic and foreign clubs.

Lawal left Shooting Stars following the expiration of his contract.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper made 16 league appearances for Shooting Stars last season, recording four clean sheets.

Lawal joined Shooting Stars from Nigeria National League (NNL) side Sunshine Stars two years ago.

NPFL: Lawal attracts interest from Rangers, Plateau United, foreign clubs