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The Argentil Group, a leading principal investment, financial advisory, private equity, and asset management firm, has officially unveiled a new corporate brand identity, marking a pivotal milestone in its evolution since 2009. The transformation underscores its emergence as a strategic platform for investment, advisory, and capital deployment, and reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of enterprise, markets, and sustainable value creation across Nigeria and beyond.

Held in Lagos at the Metropolitan Club, the event convened senior business leaders, policymakers, clients, and partners for an immersive programme celebrating Argentil’s journey, strategic milestones, and forward-looking vision. The unveiling spotlighted the Group’s refreshed brand identity, strengthened purpose-driven positioning, and bold ambitions for its next phase of expansion.

Speaking at the event, Mr Adekunle Addeji, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Argentil Group, said: “Argentil was founded with a simple conviction: Africa’s growth requires capital, expertise, and institutions that understand the markets they serve. Over the past decade and more, we have worked with investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions to structure capital, execute transactions, and support businesses that power economic development across the region.

This corporate rebranding represents the next chapter of Argentil. It reflects who we are today and the scale of the ambition that lies ahead. Our refreshed identity signals clarity of purpose and our mission to be a trusted strategic partner in redemptive capital allocation across Africa’s most important sectors.”

To solidify its place as a thought leader in Africa’s financial ecosystem, Argentil’s event programme featured a keynote address by Mr Bolaji Osunsanya, Group Chief Executive, SAYS Energy Group, alongside a congratulatory message by Mrs Sanyade Okoli, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Osunsanya said: “Argentil is repositioning at a moment when Nigeria needs institutions that can do more than advise. It needs institutions that can help rebuild confidence strategically. Nigeria’s next growth cycle will be built on credibility, policy, patient capital, and trusted institutions. The opportunity is here; the question is whether we can organise the ecosystem around it. I believe firms like Argentil have an important role to play in making that belief investable.”

A key highlight of the event was a high-level Executive Dialogue themed “Rebuilding Investor Confidence: Policy, Capital, and Nigeria’s Next Growth Cycle.” The panel brought together distinguished voices from the finance and investment sector, including:

Mrs Fola Laoye, Co-Founder & CEO, Iwosan Healthcare Systems Limited

Mr Dayo Idowu, Partner, DLA Piper Africa

Ms Lola Apampa, Director, Kuramo Capital Management

Mr Razaq Ahmed CFA, Managing Director, Cowrywise

Mr Emeka Nkemakolam, Assistant General Manager/Head, Energy & Power, Fidelity Bank Plc

The dialogue, moderated by Mr Femi Oladehin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Argentil Capital Limited, explored the policy direction, capital flows, private-sector confidence, and strategic reforms required to unlock Nigeria’s next wave of growth.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Olumide Ogunfowora, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Director of the Argentil Group, said: “This event is not only about who we are as an organization, but also about our continued commitment, working with various stakeholders, to supporting Nigeria’s and, indeed, Africa’s financial landscape—driving inclusion, strengthening trust, and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, our communities and the Nation.”

The new corporate identity underscores Argentil’s focus on trusted advisory, innovative transaction execution, capital mobilisation, and strategic partnerships that empower businesses and institutions to grow with confidence. As it enters this next chapter, the Argentil Group remains committed to delivering insight-led solutions, unlocking investment opportunities, and catalysing sustainable economic progress.

Note to Editors

The Argentil Group is an integrated investment and advisory platform delivering capital solutions across investment banking, principal investments, and asset management. The Group supports corporates, institutions, and governments with corporate finance advisory, capital raising, investment management, and strategic growth solutions. Driven by disciplined execution, deep market insight, and strong partnerships, Argentil is committed to creating long-term value and advancing sustainable economic growth across Nigeria and beyond.

Its business platforms include:

About Argentil Capital Partners Limited

Argentil Capital Partners Limited is an integrated investment and advisory group providing capital solutions across investment banking, principal investments, and asset management. Through its specialised entities, the Group supports clients with corporate finance advisory, capital raising, investment management, and strategic growth solutions. Argentil is committed to delivering long-term value through disciplined execution, deep market insight, and strong partnerships.

About Argentil Capital Limited – Financial Adviser

Argentil Capital Limited is the Group’s investment banking and capital markets subsidiary, providing expert guidance on capital raises, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and transaction structuring. As an issuing house, the firm supports corporates, institutions, and governments in accessing capital and executing complex strategic transactions. Argentil Capital Limited combines market insight, execution discipline, and trusted advisory expertise to help clients unlock growth opportunities.

About Argentil Capital Management Limited – Fund Manager

Argentil Capital Management Limited is a private equity and principal investment business, focused on creating long-term value through strategic investments and private market opportunities. The firm partners with businesses and entrepreneurs that demonstrate strong growth potential, operational resilience, and transformative impact. Through active ownership and disciplined capital allocation, Argentil Capital Management supports businesses to achieve their growth ambitions while making a significant impact across their ecosystem of operations.

About Argentil Asset Management Limited – Asset Manager

Argentil Asset Management Limited is a leading Nigeria-based fund manager, fully registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria. Argentil Asset Management Limited provides investment management solutions designed to preserve capital, optimise returns, and meet the long-term financial objectives of institutional and qualified investors. The firm applies disciplined research, risk management, and market intelligence in executing its strategy. Argentil Asset Management and Argentil Capital Management work together to develop innovative solutions for its domestic and international investors.

Argentil Capital Partners (UK) – Financial Adviser

Argentil Capital Partners (UK) Limited is the Group’s London-based financial advisory franchise, connecting global pools of capital to opportunities across Africa. The firm focuses on cross-border financial structuring, helping clients navigate complex markets with confidence. As an FCA-registered financial advisor, Argentil Capital Partners (UK) Limited extends the Group’s reach by its focus on newer sectors such as digital infrastructure.

Argentil Group Unveils New Corporate Identity, Signalling a Bold New Era of Growth, Market Leadership

Former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has filed a legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the interim forfeiture of several properties linked to him, insisting they were not acquired through illicit means.

In an affidavit submitted before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, Malami maintained that the assets listed in the interim forfeiture order obtained by the EFCC in January 2026 were legitimately acquired through his legal practice, business ventures, and declared income.

The EFCC had secured the forfeiture order on suspicion that the properties were linked to proceeds of crime.

However, Malami argued that the anti-graft agency failed to present prima facie evidence connecting the assets to any criminal activity, describing the allegations as speculative.

“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he stated.

Malami also accused the EFCC of inflating the value of the properties to strengthen its case, alleging that assets purchased for hundreds of millions of naira were presented as being worth billions.

He said independent valuers had provided significantly lower and more accurate valuations.

He attributed his wealth to over three decades of legal practice and investments spanning hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as loans from commercial banks, asset sales, gifts, and proceeds from book launches.

According to him, all earnings were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in compliance with the law.

Beyond the valuation dispute, the former AGF accused the EFCC of overstepping its authority, alleging that operatives seized properties without a final forfeiture order, evicted family members, and confiscated documents.

He described the actions as extrajudicial and a violation of due process.

The case, which is also linked to an ongoing criminal charge against Malami, is expected to test the scope of the EFCC’s asset forfeiture powers and adherence to due process.

Malami is urging the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order, insisting the assets are legitimate and unconnected to any unlawful activity.

Malami challenges EFCC forfeiture order, says assets legitimately acquired

Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna states have emerged as Nigeria’s most indebted subnational governments, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), highlighting intensifying fiscal pressures across the country’s tiers of government amid a rising national debt profile.

The NBS, in its Nigeria Q4 2025 Domestic and External Debt Report published on Monday, disclosed that Lagos State continues to dominate the debt landscape, recording N1.22trn in domestic debt alongside $1.17bn in external obligations.

The figures reinforce Lagos’ position not only as Nigeria’s commercial hub but also as the most leveraged state, reflecting its extensive infrastructure financing needs and large-scale economic commitments.

Rivers State ranked second in domestic debt with N378.81bn, underscoring its continued reliance on borrowing to support expenditure, particularly in a volatile revenue environment tied to oil receipts. Kaduna State, meanwhile, stood out on the external debt front with $684.29m, placing it among the most exposed states to foreign currency liabilities.

The broader national picture points to a steady escalation in public debt. Nigeria’s total debt stock rose to N159.28trn (approximately $110.97bn) in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from N153.29trn ($103.94bn) recorded in the preceding quarter.

This represents a 3.90 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter, reflecting sustained borrowing at both federal and subnational levels to bridge fiscal gaps and fund critical expenditures.

A closer look at the composition of the debt shows that external borrowings stood at N74.43trn, accounting for 46.73 per cent of the total, while domestic debt reached N84.85trn, representing 53.27 per cent. The near-even split highlights Nigeria’s dual dependence on local and foreign financing sources, even as exchange rate pressures continue to elevate the cost of servicing external debt.

Beyond the top three states, the report identified several other sub-nationals with significant debt burdens. Bauchi State recorded $220.57m in external debt and N156.05bn domestically, while Delta State posted $63.42m in external obligations alongside N248.83bn in domestic debt. Enugu State also featured prominently, with $99.88m in external debt and N157.60bn in domestic borrowings.

In contrast, some states maintained relatively low debt profiles. Jigawa State reported the least domestic debt at N1.60bn, followed by Ondo State with N8.42bn.

On the external side, the Federal Capital Territory recorded the lowest exposure at $26.80m, with Zamfara State following at $41.93m, suggesting varying fiscal strategies and borrowing capacities across the federation.

The growing debt burden has become a focal point of concern for policymakers, economists and citizens alike, particularly as debt servicing obligations continue to absorb a significant share of government revenues.

Analysts warn that this trend could constrain fiscal flexibility and limit the government’s ability to respond to economic shocks or invest in long-term development priorities.

Economic analysts note that while Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna’s positions as leading debtor states partly reflect their economic size, population and development ambitions, the scale of their obligations raises important questions about debt sustainability at the subnational level.

They argue that without commensurate growth in internally generated revenue and more efficient public spending, the reliance on borrowing could heighten fiscal risks over time.

As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex economic environment marked by inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility and constrained revenues, the trajectory of public debt, particularly at the state level, is expected to remain a critical issue for fiscal policy and economic stability.

Debt Expansion Across States Signals Fiscal Pressure-Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Osun State Police Command has urged members of the public to help identify the relatives of a 70-year-old woman found wandering in the state

The Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.

Detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident, the statement said the elderly woman, identified as Shifawu Alabi, was found on April 24, 2026, and taken to the police by a Good Samaritan.

“On 24/04/2026, a Good Samaritan from Tiwadayo Street, Ofatedo brought to the police one elderly woman found wandering around the area,” the statement read.

“On interview, she gave her name as Shifawu Alabi ‘F’, aged about 70 years of Oja-Oba area, Ibadan. She could not give any satisfactory account of where she was going or coming from,” the statement added.

The police command appealed to members of the public to help identify her relatives.

Police seek relatives of elderly woman found wandering in Osun

Nigerian consumers have a constitutional right to review goods and services, but an Abuja-based lawyer, Helen Nma Dickson, has warned that the same review can lead to criminal charges under the Cybercrimes Act 2015.

Dickson, a managing partner at the Regent Legal Consult, in an interview with THE WHISTLER, said that the line between protected consumer speech and criminal defamation is being tested in high-profile cases, including the “Everlasting Bread” saga, the Erisco Foods Tomato Paste dispute, and a recent book review controversy.

Dickson noted that while the 1999 Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, and the NCC Consumer Code of Practice guarantee consumers the right to complain, Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act criminalizes online messages deemed “grossly offensive” or “false” for the purpose of causing “annoyance” or “needless anxiety.”

“An unhappy customer can transit to a criminal defendant because of a single heated caption or video,” she explained.

The legal practitioner advised consumers to distinguish between fact and personal attack, avoid labeling businesses “scam” without evidence, and retain digital proof such as payment receipts, chat logs, and photos of defective goods.

“Before you hit the ‘share,’ or send button: Ask yourself, “am I reporting a fact, or am I attacking a person? Calling a business a ‘scam’ is a heavy accusation. Use specific descriptors instead: ‘The product received does not match the specifications advertised.’

“ Keep Your Receipts. Before you post, ensure you have a digital trail such as payment receipts, bank alerts, screenshots of the deal, pictures, chat logs etc.

“If the “Everlasting Bread” woman has a trail of where she had asked her supplier to pick up or replace the bread, it becomes invaluable evidence in her case.

“Keep the Tone Professional. Don’t go about insulting, harassing or threatening the vendor.
“State it as an Opinion: Use phrases like “In my experience” or “I found the quality to be…” to clearly frame it as a personal review,” she advised.

She warned that, “your lawyer will not guarantee your freedom of expression when you set up your ring light to talk or arrange your key pad to type yourself into prison.”

Your Review Could Get You Arrested, Lawyer Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has declared the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as the leader and rallying point of the party in the state.

This followed different statements issued by Abia North senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, in which they separately thanked President Bola Tinubu for making them the ‘leader’ of Abia APC.

In a statement issued on Monday by Uche Aguoru, the Publicity Secretary of Abia APC, the party said that Benjamin Kalu remained the “undisputed leader” of APC in the state.

Aguoru who thanked President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for supporting the party’s congress in Abia, warned that any other group or leaders trying to bring division in the state would be resisted

“Any individual or group parading themselves as leaders of the party in the state does so at their own risk.

“The leadership of the APC in Abia will firmly resist any attempt no matter how highly placed to sow seeds of division, create parallel structures, or undermine the unity and cohesion of our party,” Aguoru warned.

Abia APC backs Deputy Speaker Kalu as ‘leader’, as two camps claim Tinubu’s support

 

The Nigeria Police Force, through the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two (2) suspects involved in the large-scale vandalisation of critical national infrastructure and the recovery of railway materials valued at over Four Hundred Million Naira (₦400,000,000).

The suspects, Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested on 9th April 2026 at about 1800hrs in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.

The operation led to the interception of a trailer truck conveying approximately sixty (60) tonnes of vandalised railway tracks and sleepers. The materials were concealed under sacks of groundnut shells in a deliberate attempt to evade detection while being transported from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the truck was contracted for the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,500,000) to transport the vandalised materials, while further findings indicate an organised supply chain linked to receivers of such stolen infrastructure.

During the investigation, the operatives involved in the operation reportedly rejected an offer of One Hundred Million Naira (₦100,000,000) made in a bid to compromise the process and secure the release of the suspects and exhibits.

The trailer truck used in conveying the items has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the intended receivers, and to recover additional exhibits.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, commends the operatives for their courage, discipline, and incorruptibility, noting that such acts exemplify the core values of the Force.

The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s assets from vandalism.

A leading governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, Faisal Shuaib, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shuaib announced his decision on Monday during a press conference in Lafia, just days after a large rally in the state capital where supporters turned out in large numbers despite heavy rainfall.

His withdrawal follows the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule as his preferred successor.

Addressing journalists, Shuaib said his decision came after extensive consultations with supporters and stakeholders across the state, stressing that it was guided by integrity and a commitment to keeping his word.

“I gave my word that I would support whoever His Excellency presents as his preferred candidate. That commitment was not meant for easy times alone. Painful as it is, I must honour it,” he said.

The former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) noted that public service requires sacrifice and discipline, adding that his decision reflects those values.

“Public service is not always about being the loudest voice. It is about consistency, responsibility, and doing the work, even when it is not convenient,” he added.

Shuaib formally declared his support for Senator Wadada, pledging to deploy his political structure in support of the governor’s choice.

“I am withdrawing from the contest and throwing my full weight behind Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada. The structure we have built remains strong and ready for the journey ahead,” he stated.

He expressed appreciation to his supporters across the state, describing their loyalty and commitment as deeply moving, while urging them to remain united and rally behind the party’s direction.

The former aspirant also commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would yield positive outcomes in the long run.

Observers at the event reported an emotional atmosphere, as many supporters and stakeholders reacted with visible disappointment over the unexpected development.

Ex-NPHCDA boss Shuaib withdraws from Nasarawa guber race, backs Wadada

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation, CILT has sought collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC towards enhancing interconnectivity through a multimodal logistics and transportation system that involves the rail, road, sea, motorways and pipelines.

The request was made on Thursday, April 23, 2026, when Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, President and chairman of Council, CILT led other executives on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

“We can collaborate with the EFCC in terms of advocacy. When I’m talking of advocacy, I’m talking about the issue of the transport and logistics sector. We can have anti-corruption awareness within the transport sector. Another key issue has to do with professional ethics and training. We believe that we can collaborate with EFCC in the area of public transport as regards to integrity programmes for industry professionals and also research policies addressing logistics vulnerabilities in financial crimes,” he said.

He also identified logistics and supply chain expertise as another area of collaboration with the EFCC. According to him, “There’s no way you can conduct an investigation without bumping into the issue of logistics and transportation. We believe that we can look into this and offer professional memberships to your members of staff at different levels. We believe if they are members of the institute, it will lessen the cost of your investigation”

 “In also your Academy. We can also offer to deliver lectures in this area to enhance professionalism. So, before your Cadets pass out from the Academy, members of the Institute can make lectures to be delivered in the areas of logistics and transport so as to enhance their professionalism. At the end of the day, they will have professional certificates and also have enhanced capacity to investigate the issues of logistics and transportation.”  

He blamed the delay in the clearance of goods in Nigerian seaports to logistical inadequacies. “There’s so much serious problem in logistics in Nigeria, so many duplications. And it’s not giving Nigeria a good image. You are talking about bringing investors. I don’t want to bring investors if it would take weeks to clear their goods,” he said.

Oyeyemi expressed optimism for a strong collaboration and partnership between CILT and the EFCC, noting that the Institute and the Commission have shared values in terms of integrity, professionalism and national development.

The Secretary of the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda who received the delegation on behalf of Olukoyede expressed delight at the visit and assured them of the willingness of the Commission to collaborate with CILT in all the areas Oyeyemi identified.

“Thank you for your concern and patriotic zeal. We are aware of the problems of logistics deficit and inadequate multimodal transportation system. We are ready to collaborate with you within what our Establishment Act permits us. You are welcomed anytime in our Academy,” he said.

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, who was killed by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

In a statement issued on Monday, the lawmaker expressed deep sorrow over the tragic development, describing the loss as both heartbreaking and avoidable.

“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic death of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a young Nigerian who lost his life in an unfortunate incident involving personnel of the Nigerian Army,” Kingibe said.

The senator noted that while preliminary accounts suggest the shooting may have been accidental, the outcome remains devastating and raises serious concerns about operational conduct.

“This painful loss is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for heightened caution and professionalism in all security operations. While preliminary reports indicate that this may have been an accidental shooting, the consequences are devastating and irreversible,” she added.

Kingibe extended her condolences to the family of the deceased, stressing that no parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child, particularly under such circumstances.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the parents, family, and loved ones of the deceased. The grief of losing a child under such circumstances is unimaginable, and as a nation, we share in their sorrow,” she said.

“No family should have to endure such pain, especially when their child was serving the country with dedication under the National Youth Service Corps scheme.”

The FCT senator acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s initial response to the incident but emphasized that more must be done beyond immediate reactions.

“I acknowledge the response of the Nigerian Army following this incident. However, beyond initial reactions, there must be a thorough, transparent, and accountable investigation to ensure that justice is served and that lessons are learned,” she stated.

She further used the incident to highlight broader concerns about the safety of young Nigerians, particularly corps members, and the need for systemic reforms within the country’s security architecture.

“This tragic occurrence underscores the urgent need to strengthen rules of engagement, improve coordination between security agencies and civilians, and ensure that our young Nigerians – especially corps members – are adequately protected at all times.
Preventable incidents such as this must never be allowed to happen again,” Kingibe said.

Reaffirming her commitment to legislative and oversight action, the senator pledged to engage relevant authorities to push for reforms aimed at safeguarding citizens and restoring public trust.

“As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, I will continue to engage relevant authorities to push for reforms that prioritize the safety of our citizens and restore public confidence in our security institutions,” she said.

FCT Senator Demands Probe Into Corps Member Killed by Army is first published on The Whistler Newspaper