Category: Uncategorized

A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, has been found dead under unclear circumstances.

Chimaroke, a graduate of Civil Engineering and former President of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, was reportedly declared missing before his lifeless body was recovered in a body of water in Nembe community.

Sources familiar with the incident alleged that the 27-year-old corps member may have been attacked by unidentified assailants before his disappearance.

The Bayelsa State Police Command had earlier launched a search operation after receiving a report that the corps member was missing.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the case was reported to the police at about 8:40 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by fellow corps member Aribisola Bisi Isaac, who was accompanied by Adeola Marvelous.

Police sources disclosed that the Local Government Inspector informed the officers that Chimaroke, who was serving in Nembe Creek, was last seen at about 8:00 p.m. on July 24.

Attempts to reach him through his mobile phone lines reportedly proved unsuccessful, raising concerns among colleagues and prompting a search effort.

Following the report, police operatives were deployed to the creek community, located about 45 minutes by boat from the Nembe Divisional Headquarters, to commence a search and investigation into his disappearance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Bayelsa State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the recovery of the corps member’s body or provide details on the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

Tragedy as missing NYSC member’s body recovered in Bayelsa

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and counsel to human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday disagreed over the Attorney-General’s appearance in the ongoing alleged cyberbullying trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Lead defence counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), objected to what he described as the Attorney-General’s sudden entry into the proceedings without prior notice to either the court or the defence.

The matter, before Justice Umar Mohammed, had been slated for the appearance of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, who was subpoenaed as a defence witness.

However, Fagbemi informed the court that the prosecution had no proof that the subpoena had been served on the DSS Director-General.

When the court drew his attention to its records confirming that the subpoena had indeed been served, the Attorney-General, after examining the document, argued that no specific time had been indicated for Ajayi’s appearance. He also maintained that the DSS boss was summoned in his official capacity.

Responding to questions over his appearance in the case, Fagbemi said he was acting pursuant to Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Attorney-General to institute, take over or discontinue criminal proceedings.

Fusika, however, argued that although the Attorney-General possesses such constitutional powers, they must be exercised in the public interest, in the interest of justice and in a manner that does not amount to an abuse of court process.

He contended that Fagbemi was not part of the prosecution team when the trial commenced but entered the courtroom and immediately made applications on behalf of the subpoenaed DSS Director-General without filing any formal notice.

The senior lawyer further argued that the Attorney-General’s application to assume control of the prosecution denied the defence adequate opportunity to respond, especially after citing more than 20 judicial authorities in support of his position.

“How do you expect me to respond immediately to over 20 authorities cited from the Bar without prior notice?” Fusika asked the court.

He insisted that if the Attorney-General intended to take over the prosecution, the appropriate notices and supporting documents ought to have been filed before the application was made.
“The Attorney-General should file the appropriate notice and place the necessary information before the court.

In the absence of that, the application is procedurally defective,” he submitted.
Fusika also argued that any authority exercised by counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney-General must be backed by the appropriate legal process, warning that failure to follow established criminal procedure could set a dangerous precedent.

He urged the court to reject the application until due process had been complied with.

In his response, Fagbemi stated that lead prosecuting counsel, Kehinde Akinlolu, had been granted a fiat to prosecute the matter and that, as Attorney-General, he retained the constitutional authority to assume control of the case at any stage.

The defence, however, maintained that neither the court nor the defence had been served with any document showing that Akinlolu was prosecuting the case by virtue of such a fiat.

Fagbemi further argued that the subpoena ought to have been served personally on the DSS Director-General and maintained that no specific time had been fixed for his appearance.

He described the subpoena as an abuse of court process, noting that the document the defence intended to question Ajayi about had already been admitted in evidence as Exhibits D and DWC on July 22, 2026.

According to him, insisting on compelling the DSS Director-General to testify after the document had already been tendered served no legitimate purpose.
The Attorney-General added that Ajayi was being summoned solely in his official capacity regarding a document authored and signed by another prosecution witness, insisting that the subpoena was being used for an improper purpose.

He therefore urged the court to set aside the subpoena and direct the defence to proceed with its case.
Following consultations between both parties, the defence and the Attorney-General agreed that a representative of the DSS Director-General would appear before the court instead of Ajayi.

Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned the matter until August 3, 2026, for continuation of the defence.

AGF, Sowore’s Lawyer Clash Over Takeover Of Cyberbullying Trial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin has responded to a recent post by Priscilla Ojo, escalating her ongoing feud with the influencer and her mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

In a video circulating on social media, Anjorin made a series of allegations against the mother and daughter, insisting that any legal action they may pursue against her would not be successful.

The actress also accused Iyabo and Priscilla of being responsible for certain social media activities targeted at her.

 She further alleged that a photograph of her four-year-old daughter was shared alongside a court document online.

Anjorin claimed to possess “more than 500 pieces of evidence” against Iyabo and Priscilla, maintaining that she would continue to speak publicly about the issues between them.

The latest remarks by Lizzy has added to the long-running public dispute between Anjorin and Iyabo Ojo, which has generated widespread reactions across social media platforms.

@sweet human on Facebook said many are mad few are roaming 

@oluchukwu madu said ” e be like Ijabo and Priscilla chop this woman biscuit”

I have evidence- Lizzy Anjorin fires back at Priscilla Ojo, over feud with Iyabo Ojo

S&P Global is set to strengthen its footprint in Africa after reaching an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Agusto & Co., a prominent African credit rating agency.

The proposed transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approvals, was announced on Tuesday in a joint statement by the two companies.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Under the agreement, S&P Global will partner with Agusto & Co., a leading African credit rating agency with operations across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda.

The partnership is expected to combine S&P Global’s global analytical expertise with Agusto & Co.’s extensive regional market knowledge to enhance credit transparency, deepen investor confidence and accelerate the development of domestic credit markets across Africa.

The acquisition represents one of the most significant investments by a global credit ratings provider in Africa’s domestic ratings industry and underscores the growing strategic importance of African financial markets to international investors.

According to the companies, the investment aligns with S&P Global Ratings’ long-term growth strategy for Africa by expanding its market intelligence capabilities and strengthening its ability to serve issuers, investors and other market participants across the continent.

President of S&P Global Ratings, Yann Le Pallec, described the transaction as a demonstration of the company’s enduring commitment to Africa’s evolving financial markets.

“We are delighted to partner with Agusto & Co. to strengthen our domestic ratings presence across Africa,” Le Pallec said.

He noted that Africa presents significant long-term growth opportunities and said the combination of S&P Global’s global expertise with Agusto & Co.’s deep understanding of local markets would promote more informed credit analysis, strengthen market dialogue and enhance investor confidence both within Africa and internationally.

Le Pallec added that improving transparency and expanding access to reliable credit assessments would contribute to stronger and more resilient capital markets across the region.

Commenting on the transaction, Managing Director of Agusto & Co., Yinka Adelekan, described the partnership as a transformational milestone not only for the company but also for Africa’s broader financial ecosystem.

According to him, the agreement fulfills the long-held vision of the company’s late founder to establish a strategic affiliation with a leading global credit rating agency.

Adelekan said Agusto & Co. has spent more than three decades building a trusted credit rating institution that supports businesses, governments and investors across Africa.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would unlock new opportunities for issuers and investors while contributing to the development of transparent, resilient and efficient credit markets throughout the continent.

Despite the acquisition, Agusto & Co. will continue to operate as an independent domestic ratings agency.

The company will retain responsibility for issuing its own credit ratings and applying its proprietary rating methodologies in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements in the countries where it operates.

Both organisations said the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from relevant regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where Agusto & Co. conducts business.

The companies expect the acquisition to be completed during the second half of 2026 once all required approvals have been secured.

S&P Global also stated that the acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on the financial performance of either S&P Global or S&P Global Ratings.

Market analysts view the transaction as a significant vote of confidence in Africa’s expanding capital markets, with the partnership expected to enhance the quality of domestic credit assessments, broaden access to international best practices and support increased investment across the continent.

The transaction is expected to enhance the global ratings firm’s presence in the continent’s domestic credit ratings market while supporting the continued development of Africa’s capital markets.

S&P Global Seals Deal For Majority Stake In Agusto & Co. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian singer, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has confirmed plans to marry his partner, Davita…

The post Zlatan Ibile announces wedding plans with fiancée, Davita Lamai appeared first on Tribune Online.

Benin Republic goalkeeper, Obassa Adebiyi, is nearing a move to Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Kano Pillars.

Obassa is already training with Sai Masu Gida amid speculation over his future.

The shot stopper is determined to remain in the NPFL following Remo Stars’ relegation last season.

Obassa is hoping to reunite with head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede at Kano Pillars.

He won the NPFL title with Remo Stars during 2025-26 season.

Kano Pillars are expected to make a final decision on the goalkeeper’s signing before the start of the 2026-27 season.

NPFL: Kano Pillars set to sign goalkeeper Obassa from Remo Stars

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria through the integration of renewable energy solutions and telecommunications infrastructure.

The partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium, Mbora, Abuja, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The workshop, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” brought together senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other industry stakeholders to explore practical approaches to expanding connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards inclusive digital connectivity and energy access.

“Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy,” he said.

He noted that reliable electricity and digital connectivity are mutually reinforcing foundations of an inclusive and productive economy, stressing that communities without stable power struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without connectivity are unable to fully benefit from electrification.

Oshadami explained that the partnership establishes a practical framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure, and renewable energy solutions. He disclosed that the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on existing and planned Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) deployments, enabling both institutions to jointly identify connectivity and energy gaps for more effective planning and implementation.

He further stated that the collaboration would explore opportunities to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects, while also encouraging the co-location of telecom infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets where technically feasible. According to him the initiative will reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.im, the initiative will reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, observed that Nigeria’s digital economy depends on reliable energy infrastructure. He noted that renewable energy mini grids provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecom sites and that the partnership would create commercially viable opportunities for telecom operators and renewable energy developers alike.

“Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions. Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls and the reach of both extends,” he said.

The workshop featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies, alongside panel discussions on financing models, policy and regulatory issues, and infrastructure planning. Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond broad expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and regulatory measures capable of translating the initiative into sustainable, large-scale projects.

The MoU represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the NCC and the REA towards achieving the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development objectives. Through the partnership, both agencies aim to improve infrastructure planning, expand broadband connectivity, promote renewable energy adoption in telecommunications networks and deliver resilient, scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure that will drive socio-economic development across Nigeria.

NCC, REA sign MoU to drive digital infrastructure expansion through renewable energy

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign ended following the country’s semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, had been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.

The 54-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest player in French football history, will sign a contract taking him through France’s 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign.

On his appointment, Zidane said it was “a great source of pride” to take charge of the national side after their fourth-place finish at the World Cup, adding that there was “nothing greater than the French national team” and that leading it was both a joy and a responsibility.

He thanked French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo and the federation’s executive committee for their confidence in him, acknowledged Deschamps’ 14 years of service, and said he held high ambitions for the team going forward.

Diallo described Zidane as a “legend” of French football, saying his appointment marked the coming together of a decorated figure in the history of Les Bleus with a squad of rare potential and high ambition.

Deschamps, whose tenure was the longest in the history of the French national team, led the side to three major finals, including victory at the 2018 World Cup.

Zidane’s first competitive match in charge will be a Nations League trip to Turkey on 25 September, with qualification for Euro 2028 to follow.

Zidane’s coaching career began in 2014, when he took charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side.

He was promoted to first-team manager in January 2016 and, by the end of that season, had already won the Champions League, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in the final.

That triumph was the first of three consecutive Champions League titles under his management, making Real Madrid the first club to win back-to-back European titles in the Champions League era and the first to claim three in a row since Bayern Munich in the 1970s.

He also won La Liga in 2016-17 before leaving the club the following year, saying the team needed change.

Zidane returned to Madrid in March 2019 with the club struggling for form, guiding them to another league title the following season while overseeing a period of heavy spending that included the signings of Eden Hazard and Rodrygo.

He left the club again at the end of a trophyless 2020-21 season and has not managed since.

He had long been linked with the France job, with speculation dating back to the team’s group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup. Sixteen years on, he has finally taken the role.

As a player, Zidane began his career at Cannes in 1989 before moving to Bordeaux and then Juventus in 1996, where he helped the club win back-to-back Serie A titles and reach consecutive Champions League finals. He joined Real Madrid in 2001 for a then-world-record fee of £66 million, becoming part of the club’s Galacticos era alongside stars including Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham.

He justified that fee with a spectacular volleyed winner in the 2002 Champions League final as Madrid beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1.

For France, his most significant moment as a player came in the 1998 World Cup final in Paris, where he scored twice as France beat Brazil 3-0 to win their first World Cup.

He was awarded the Ballon d’Or later that year and was part of the France squad that won Euro 2000, though the team endured disappointing exits at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.

Zidane retired from international football in 2004 but returned during qualification for the 2006 World Cup.

He played a central role as France advanced to the final against Italy – his last match as a professional – scoring the opening goal with a Panenka penalty.

Italy equalised and the match went to extra time, during which Zidane was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi. Italy went on to win the final on penalties.

Zidane Confirmed As France Head Coach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

To provide legal clarity on the issue, Tribune Online spoke with family law practitioners, who unanimously agreed that the

The post EXPLAINER: What does Nigerian Constitution say about dowry payment? appeared first on Tribune Online.

Ghanaian singer, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has explained that Ghanaian artists earn pennies compared to…

The post Ghanaian artists earn ‘pennies’ compared to Nigerians — Shatta Wale appeared first on Tribune Online.