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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Thursday said it rescued a 36-year-old woman from alleged spousal abuse in Asokoro Extension, Abuja.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the agency disclosed that the operation was carried out by its Rapid Response Squad following credible information about the incident.

NAPTIP identified the suspect as Mr. Godwin, a 48-year-old man and husband of the victim, who was reportedly involved in physically assaulting her. The agency noted that the couple had been married for 22 years and are both from Kashi in Benue State.

According to the statement, NAPTIP operatives “successfully rescued the victim from the abusive environment and moved her to safety for necessary care and support.”

The agency further stated that it has “commenced necessary procedures to investigate the matter and ensure that all appropriate legal steps are taken” in line with its mandate to protect vulnerable persons.

Reaffirming its stance against domestic violence, NAPTIP said it “remains resolute in its determination to uphold the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of all persons across the country.”

The agency also urged members of the public to report cases of domestic violence and related offences to enable swift intervention.

NAPTIP Rescues Woman From Alleged Spousal Abuse In Abuja is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while rejecting claims that he has been suspended from his party.

Abejide, who represents Kogi State, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he defended his political stance despite criticism that he is more aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I won my election on the platform of the ADC and I remain in the party,” he said. “But in the National Assembly, you cannot work alone. You must relate with others, and most of the people I work with are in the APC.”

The lawmaker openly stated that, if given the opportunity to vote in a presidential election today, he would support President Tinubu, stressing that his decision is based on individual merit rather than party affiliation.

“If I am to vote today, I will vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is not about party; it is about the person,” he said.

Pressed on whether his position amounts to disloyalty to the ADC, Abejide dismissed the claim, insisting that political cooperation should not be mistaken for defection.

“I am not a member of two parties. I am talking about human relationships. I have long-standing associates in APC, and I cannot isolate myself,” he stated, adding, “My heart is in APC and in ADC.”

On the leadership crisis rocking the ADC, Abejide strongly refuted reports that he had been suspended, questioning the authority of those behind the move.

“Nobody can suspend me. Those who claimed to have suspended me are not even recognized,” he said. “How can an illegal group suspend a legitimate member? Have you seen tenants chase away a landlord?”

He accused some prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and other coalition leaders, of attempting to take over the party structure without due process.

“They came with the intention of taking over the party and pushing out those who built it. I cannot support that,” Abejide said, arguing that the party’s constitution clearly stipulates eligibility requirements for leadership positions.

“You must be a member of the ADC for at least two years before holding national office. Many of those claiming leadership did not meet that requirement,” he added.

Abejide also expressed support for Nafiu Bala as the legitimate leader of the party, insisting that he did not resign his position as claimed by opposing factions.

“If others stepped aside, leadership should naturally fall to Nafiu Bala. He did not resign,” he said.

The lawmaker further dismissed allegations that the APC or President Tinubu is behind the crisis within the ADC, describing such claims as unfounded.

“It is not true. The problem is internal. Opposition parties must put their houses in order instead of blaming others,” he said.

While maintaining his membership of the ADC, Abejide hinted at the possibility of leaving the party saying, “If the court judgment goes against my position, I will leave and continue my political career elsewhere,” he said, noting that “APC is the most stable party in Nigeria today.”

He also defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, arguing that, “This government started from ground zero. There was a time Nigerians could not even access their own money in banks,” he said. “People forget too quickly what the situation was before.”

Abejide added, “If we want progress, we must follow the law and also seek political solutions where necessary.”

ADC Rep Backs Tinubu Re-Election, Dares David Mark Over Suspension is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Fawas Alarape, 23, aka Karube, fingered in multiple cases of murder, armed robbery, stealing and other violent crimes, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 headquarters Onikan, Lagos.

On March 3, 2026, operatives attached to the Zonal Puff Adder team, embarked on an operation, which led to the arrest of Alarape before others were arrested in later days.

Alarape and five others were said to be responsible for the murders of 40-year-old Olumide Adegbite aka Okoro on February 14, 2026; 37-year-old Kehinde Shuaibu and 35-year-old Monday Okoro on February 18, 2026 at Orile Iganmu area of Lagos.

Interrogation and useful information received from the suspect upon his arrest prompted operatives to raid a criminal hideout tagged Lion’s den by criminal elements, on Adeleye Street of Orile Iganmu, Lagos, and arrested five other suspects.

In the March 5, 2026 raid, 33-year-old Bamidele Mustapha, aka Mentor; 22-year-old Soliu Ahmed, aka Tinko Butcher Man; 26-year-old Oluwaseun Bolarinwa, aka Porta; 22-year-old Abass Abideen, aka Omo Olomo; 24-year-old Salisu Ali, aka Omo Hausa and 30-year-old Atanda Lukmon, aka Bansa, was arrested at White Sand in Orile Iganmu.

During the raid, one local shotgun, four cutlasses, one knife, one claw hammer, four live cartridges, three expended cartridges and different charms were recovered.

Spokesperson for the command, Gbenga Afolayan, said in the course of interrogation, Alarape confessed involvement in the murder of one Ikujowolo at Shitta under bridge, Surulere, Lagos, where the deceased, a tricycle rider, was robbed of his tricycle and was subsequently shot dead. 

He added that the suspect further disclosed that the act was carried out alongside one Ahmed Oladele, a.k.a Small Messi, now at large with four guns in his possession, while others including Mustapha Bamidele, Bolarinwa Oluwaseun and Soliu Ahmed participated in the attack.

“The suspects are in police custody and assisting with investigations. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations for multiple cases of murder, armed robbery, stealing, cultism, unlawful possession of firearm and criminal conspiracy.”

The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended operatives for their professionalism, bravery and commitment to duty. He reiterated the resolve of the zonal headquarters to rid Lagos and Ogun states of criminal elements while ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents

The Zonal headquarters urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information.

Residents of Omugo community in Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised alarm over the continued captivity of eight abducted worshippers, revealing that kidnappers are insisting on a ₦150 million ransom for their release.

They called for urgent intervention from the government and security agencies expressing concerns over their plight.

The disclosure was made during a press conference on Thursday by spokesperson of the community, Olaitan Tajudeen Jimoh.

He decried the worsening security situation in the community.

The victims were abducted on March 22, 2026, during a church service at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Omugo.

Residents say the attack was the third in the community within six months.

According to Jimoh, the latest attack has deepened fear and displacement among residents, many of whom have reportedly fled their homes.

“This is not merely a security breach; it is a brutal assault on our faith, our dignity, and our very right to exist. Many people had and continue to flee their home even as we speak ” he said.

He added that the victims, many of them elderly, remain in captivity under harsh conditions, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.

According to him, “initial contact with the abductors indicated a ransom demand of ₦1 billion, which was later reduced to ₦150 million”.

He said the amount is beyond the reach of affected families.

The community expressed concern over “persistent security gaps”, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden attackers and spread violence to neighbouring areas.

Among its demands, the community called for an immediate, intelligence driven rescue operation involving federal and state authorities as well as security agencies.

They also urged the deployment of personnel to a police station reportedly built by the community but yet to be operational, noting that the absence of security presence has left the area vulnerable.

In addition, the group advocated the establishment of a Joint Task Force base comprising the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure rapid response and sustained security coverage.

They further called for the formal integration of local vigilante groups and hunters into the security architecture, citing their knowledge of the terrain as critical in tackling armed groups.

While acknowledging past interventions by the state government in 2025, the community urged authorities not to relent, insisting that the current situation requires urgent and sustained action.

In his remarks, Revd Sunday Omole, who officiated during the incident, said “several communities have remained deserted”.

The clergy said they have been living in fear and anxiety since the incident, adding that the “trauma of those in captivity for 18 days now has been deeply distressing for families and the entire community”.

 

Suspected motorcycle robbers have severed the hand of a teacher, Isah Salkana, during a violent attack in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.

A statement issued by the Secretary for Public Enlightenment, Rano Emirate Council, Nasiru Habu Faragai, said that incident occurred on Wednesday night, April 9, 2026 along the Funkuyi road under the Buran district.

Faragai said the victim, a resident of Sarkin Bakar Rano, was attacked while attempting to rescue another victim, Malam Sauwanu Hadi, whose motorcycle and mobile phone were being forcefully taken away by the assailants.

He explained that the attackers initially tried to shoot Sallama, but their gun malfunctioned.

“When the gun failed, they resorted to using a machete and chopped off his hand, leaving him in a critical condition,” the statement said.

The incident was formally reported by the District Head of Bunkure, Alhaji Aminu Isa Umaru, to the Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umaru.

Reacting, the emir described the attack as disturbing and directed that the matter be reported to security agencies for a thorough investigation.

He also approved a donation of N100,000 to support the victim’s medical treatment.

The monarch urged community leaders and security operatives to intensify efforts to curb robbery and other criminal activities in the area.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to restore the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, followed the removal of their names, alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, from INEC’s official portal on April 1.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, filed by counsel to Mark, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, the plaintiff is asking the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing INEC to reinstate the affected officials as they existed before the dispute.

The application, brought under Order 26 Rules 1 to 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, as well as the court’s inherent jurisdiction, seeks three principal relief

Part of the relief reads: “An order of mandatory injunction, setting aside the decision, act, or directive of the respondent removing the names of the applicant’s National Working Committee from its official portal and the decision of refusal to attend or monitor the applicant’s congresses or convention pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

It further seeks: “An order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain records of the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee.”

The plaintiff also prayed the court for: “An order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with, the said leadership records, or recognising any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of the suit.”

The suit arose from the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in a leadership dispute initiated by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court

In a supporting affidavit, Usman argued that the appellate court had directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, describing it as the last uncontested state of affairs before the dispute.

Meanwhile, immediate past National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, yesterday, said the party will continue preparations for its convention and congresses and won’t be distracted by the leadership crisis rocking the party, which parades some of the biggest opposition politicians in Nigeria.

On a day that the Nafiu Gombe-led factioan of the party held a counter-protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Nwosu, who is backing the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC spoke during an interview on Channels Television.

Insisting that the ADC is moving on with its plans ahead of the 2027 general elections despite INEC’s de-recognition of the Mark and Gombe camps citing court order, Nwosu said: “We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes. After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and decided to move ahead,

“We submitted our programme to INEC according to the law, and they endorsed it—all the dates were endorsed. By the electoral law, whether they show up or not is their own volition; we have not violated anything

“The congresses have already started. Our national convention, slated for the 14th , will also go on, where we will validate everything we’ve done. We don’t want opportunists in the ADC; we want mission-driven leaders who have the courage to challenge a bad system.”

Nwosu said the ADC will inform INEC of its programmes, including “our upcoming national convention to select our presidential and general candidates. If they don’t accept it, we will publish it to all Nigerian media because they represent the people,” Nwosu, who founded the ADC, said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a circulating image of a new N5,000 bank note.

Some social media users claimed that the CBN has released the first sample of a N5,000 note featuring an image of president Bola Tinubu. 

The now-viral image has elicited flurry of reactions from social media users. 

But debunking the report, the apex bank in a post on its official X handle, formerly Twitter, said, “This content is fake. Let the public be guided.”

The Nation subjected the viral image to an AI detector tool, Hive Moderation, which showed that it contained over 90 per cent AI material.

This indicates that the image has been generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that is part of the social media platform X.

Artificial intelligence uses complex computer algorithms to perform tasks otherwise done by humans, like answering questions and writing code. 

In 2012, the CBN announced plans to introduce N5,000 notes. But in 2022, the bank backtracked on these plans. Over the years, there have been calls for the introduction of N5,000 notes.

Section 18(a) and 18(b) of CBN Act 2007 gives the Central Bank absolute power (with no legislative intervention) to:

(a) arrange for the printing of currency notes and the minting of coins;

(b) issue, re-issue and exchange currency notes and coins at the Bank’s offices and at such agencies as it may, from time to time, establish or appoint. 

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reinforced its commitment towards tackling youth unemployment across the continent with the successful employment of over 700 young professionals under its Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP).

Since inception, the bank’s GMAP initiative has empowered more than 5,000 young graduates across Africa, providing them with world-class training, hands-on experience, and a platform to thrive in the financial services industry.

The graduation ceremony, which was held in a grand ceremony held at the Landmark Events Centre, Lagos on Thursday, was graced by esteemed guests, led by the UBA’s top management, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating class, as it highlighted the culmination of an intensive journey towards leadership excellence.

While welcoming and addressing the fresh intake, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, reiterated the importance of ambition, discipline, and institutional pride, describing the gathering as living proof that Africa’s future belongs to its youth.

“I am so happy to see smiling, young faces. You know, they say the future of Africa belongs to our youth, and as I see all of you, I see that in action. Welcome to UBA Group. Congratulations on being part of our family,” he stated.

Elumelu challenged the graduates, to take personal ownership of their performance and to exhibit the discipline that distinguishes great institutions from average ones.

“Selecting the right people, training them, developing them, nurturing them, and getting them to align with the vision is not easy. But it is critical for sustained success. What we must do is institutionalise our approach, to build an organisation that can deliver and create systems that endure, so that perpetuity is achieved,” Elumelu said.

The milestone induction, which welcomed Cohorts 19 and 20 into the bank’s dynamic workforce, underscores the bank’s strategic focus on nurturing Africa’s next generation of high-performing talent equipped to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, who went down memory lane, took the youth on his personal journey from a young professional to Group CEO, and reminded the graduates that the path from entry-level to leadership is not reserved for a privileged few.

“Our young Africans are equipped to drive Africa into excellence. Your current role is not your final destination. If we could rise, you can rise too, because the journey is not reserved for a special class of people. It is reserved for people who decide to grow and then do the work,” he said

Alawuba anchored his address in UBA’s corporate ethos, the 3Es of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, and the SRG persona of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-orientation, challenging each new hire to make these values visible in their daily conduct

With the new cohort of 720 trainees, 435 of whom are women and account for over 60% of the intake, this stands as a powerful testament to the bank’s unwavering commitment towards women’s empowerment.

UBA continues to position itself as a leading institution in youth development, intentionally grooming “achievers who perform” while contributing meaningfully to reducing unemployment and unlocking the immense potential of Africa’s youthful population.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

 

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, following a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The President, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the fallen soldiers, urging them to remain steadfast despite the painful loss.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026, resulting in significant casualties.

Tinubu praised the bravery and resilience of the troops, noting that they fought gallantly to repel the insurgents and prevent Boko Haram fighters from overrunning nearby communities.

While mourning the deceased, the President called on the military high command and personnel across all theatres of operation not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s appreciation of their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our Armed Forces have sustained intense land and air offensives against insurgents, neutralising several fighters and key commanders. This counterattack is a sign of desperation,” he said.

He specifically commended the fallen soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, describing their sacrifice as a defining act of patriotism in defence of the nation.

“The government will never forget their sacrifices. They will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria remains stronger than ever,” Tinubu stated.

The President further assured the military of continued government support, including the provision of necessary equipment and improved welfare for personnel engaged in frontline operations.

He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the Armed Forces in their ongoing fight against insurgency and banditry, warning against any form of sympathy or celebration of attacks on security personnel.

“These soldiers are our heroes—unforgettable and irreplaceable,” he added.

Tinubu also extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the state to restore lasting peace and achieve total victory over insurgency.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal, Lagos  seeking the setting aside of the judgment of Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos  acquitting and discharging  a former Executive Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission,  NDDC,  Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli alongside Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited and Building Associates Limited over an alleged ₦3.6 billion fraud.

  In a Notice of Appeal filed on  Thursday,  April 9, 2026,  the EFCC,  through its counsel,  Ekene Iheanacho,  SAN,  faulted the judgment of the trial court and based its appeal at the Court of Appeal on seven grounds.   The Commission is also seeking reliefs set out in the Appeal.

  Justice Osiagor on March 3, 2026 cleared all the four defendants  of money laundering allegations stating  that the prosecution did not sufficiently establish the offences contained in the 46-count charge filed against them  by the EFCC,  despite the volume of evidence presented during the retrial, including testimonies from 16 witnesses and 34 exhibits.

 The 1st defendant had earlier been acquitted in 2020, at No- case submission while the court held that the other defendants alleged to have assisted him in laundering the funds were directed to enter their defences. This prompted the  EFCC to appeal to the Court of Appeal and the appellate court set aside the ruling of the trial court. The court also dismissed the appeal of the other defendants who had also appealed against the ruling of the trial court which held that they had cases to answer.

 In its judgment,  the  Court of Appeal found that the payment of the sum of N3, 645, 000,000.00 from  Prosecuting Witness 4,   PW4,  who was a contractor to NDDC to the 1st defendant, Omatsuli,  through his friend’s company,  the Building Associates Ltd, the 4th defendant,   amounted to an act of gratification for which the defendants needed to make explanations. The court made references to the provisions of Section 8, 17, 19 of the ICPC Act and the 5th schedule to the Constitution.

The Notice of Appeal filed by the Commission alleged that the new trial Judge,  Justice Osiagor who took over the proceeding following the retirement of the former trial Judge, Justice Saidu,  relied on the record of the previous trial but disregarded the specific findings made by the Court of Appeal on the testimony of the prosecution witness. It is the position of the  Commission in its Notice of Appeal that the trial Judge, Osiagor  did not properly evaluate the evidence before it. That the trial judge misconceived the law and the evidence lead by both PW4 and PW15 during trial which showed that PW15 who was also a director at NDDC approached PW4 , a contractor to the Commission, with the request to appreciate the members of the Board whenever PW4 was paid his fees by the Board so as to enable them sought out restive youths in the Niger Delta area.

 Accordingly , PW4 paid money to members of the Board including the 1st defendant who received his own through the 4th defendant’s  bank account. The 1st defendant who was also a signatory to the account of NDDC upon receipt of the funds,  applied most of the funds in the purchase of choice properties in Lagos in the name of the 2nd defendant which is his private company. That the N3.6bn was never used for any youth- related matters. Infact,  the properties acquired with the funds have been forfeited in a Non-conviction based asset forfeiture on the strength of the same evidence  adduced during trial. That the forfeiture was also affirmed by the Court of Appeal in the civil case.

The Commission further contends  that the trial Judge did not make reference to any of the anti corruption legislations like the ICPC Act, 5th Schedule to the Constitution, CCB Act in determining whether the money paid was proceeds of unlawful act. That the trial judge failed to appreciate the case of the prosecution on the nature of the gratuitous payment received by the 1st defendant.

It was also part of the grouse of the Commission that evidence was led by PW4 and  PW13 with documents in support,  which showed that in order to cover up the illicit act, the 1st defendant withdrew as a director in the 2nd defendant and pleaded with PW4 to issue a sub contract document to cover the N3.6bn payment. It stated that these pieces of evidence were neither contradicted as found by the Court of Appeal but the trial Judge disregarded those findings which were commended to the court.

 No date has been fixed for the hearing of the Appeal.