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A gang of suspected Fulani gunmen attacked a resident of the Army Post Service Housing Estate Kurudu Abuja FCT in the early hours of Thursday 30th April 2026. 

The gunmen numbering about seven came into a compound in the estate in a bid to kidnap the resident. 

Luck ran out of the criminals when the soldiers deployed at the estate responded to distress calls by neighbors. 

A combined team of troops deployed at the estate and Policemen from Divisional Police post Kurudu foiled the kidnap and robbery attempt at Army Post Service Housing Estate Kurudu ( Phase 5) Abuja FCT

The ensuring gun battle resulted in the death of one of the gunmen while one escaped with gunshot wounds. 

The others escaped from the rear of the estate in disarray 

It was gathered that the Fulani gunmen actual target was a top business tycoon living in the estate

Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the gang members according to a resident spoken who to CKN News on condition of anonymity 

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…Strong Operational Gains, Asset Recovery Boost Ministerial Role Chances

…Presidency Weighs Technocrat-Led Options Amid Push For Improved Power Supply

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, may be announced as the replacement for Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned his appointment as the Minister of Power, THE WHISTLER can exclusively report.

Adelabu had on April 22, 2025, resigned his appointment to contest the Oyo State governorship election.

While there has been no official confirmation from the Presidency, multiple insider sources told THE WHISTLER that Adighije’s name has gained traction in recent weeks.

This, they attributed, to her background as a technocrat and hands-on experience in the power sector.

An insider said she could be considered to fill the vacant ministerial slot from Abia State, following the vacuum created by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha who resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

Onyejeocha, who is from Abia State, served as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, but resigned in early April 2026 to pursue a political return to the National Assembly.

Born on April 15, 1983, Adighije holds a B.Sc. in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Lagos, with an M.Sc. in wireless networks and telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London.

She is also armed with an MPhil from the Catholic University of Murcia, Spain, in 2025.

A source from the Presidency told THE WHISTLER that President Bola Tinubu may go for her because of her professional experience, adding that she had previously worked as a transmission maintenance engineer at the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

“The President we all know doesn’t play with experience. He usually goes for the best, and this time, he may not go for a novice or someone who is a politician without the right expertise. He wants the best to drive his agenda in the power sector. It is on this premise that Engr Adighije stands the better chance of succeeding Chief Adebayo Adelabu as the new Minister of Power,” the source said.

Speaking about her capacity to succeed Adelabu, a senior staff member of the power ministry who spoke to THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity, said Adighije, who was appointed by the President in August 2023, is a technocrat.

“The NDPHC MD is well experienced having worked at Globacom as an NSS specialist, then as head of operations. From 2018–2023, she served as a value engineer and cost controller at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s procurement department, followed by Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on entrepreneurship in communications, innovation, and digital economy.

“Under her leadership since 2024, NDPHC restored about 750 MW of generation capacity, recovered 110 abandoned containers of turbine parts, and completed projects like the Afam–Ikot Ekpene 330kV transmission line and Light Up Nigeria – Agbara cluster.

“She also secured over $10m in legacy debts and $15m in insurance claims, converted 180 contract staff to permanent roles, and added 625 MW to Nigeria’s grid in her first year,” the source said.

The source continued: “Under her leadership, the company has focused on reviving dormant generation capacity, improving financial health, and strengthening governance in Nigeria’s power-sector value chain.

“Her team has restored multiple turbines at key NDPHC power plants, including two turbines at the Ihovbor Power Plant, adding about 230 MW to the national grid; overall, NDPHC has added approximately 625 MW to Nigeria’s electricity supply under her watch.”

The NDPHC has also deepened focus on the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), advancing Phase II with an emphasis on renewable–energy-linked transmission and distribution assets.

The source said, “Infrastructure and special-purpose projects NDPHC completed key transmission and distribution projects in Borno and Delta States, including the Afam–Ikot Ekpene 330 kV double-circuit transmission line, which improves grid stability in the South–South.

“She initiated the ‘Light Up Nigeria – Agbara Industrial Cluster’ project to connect the Agbara Industrial Estate to the grid, and a 10 MW embedded solar project in an industrial area in Kano to support off-grid power needs for manufacturers.

“Adighije’s management rescued over 110–120 containers of critical turbine parts and heat-recovery steam-generator (HRSG) components that had been abandoned at Onne Port for more than nine years, reducing replacement-cost burdens for the company.”

Setting the agenda for the incoming Power Minister, the Executive Secretary of the Power and Energy Consumers Advocates of Nigeria (PECAN), Comrade Uket Obonga, said the new appointee should extract a commitment from the President before accepting the offer, adding that without Tinubu’s support, the new minister may find it difficult to deliver.

He said, “The person who has the capacity and the ability to give definitive instructions that I want for the power sector is Mr President. Even if you appoint every person who has all the necessary competencies and so forth, the final say ultimately rests with the President.

“For instance, the government has not really stamped its feet. No government so far, from Buhari we thought initially who came in May 2015, we thought late President Buhari was going to effect certain reforms in the power sector.

“But they lacked the political will and the courage to go about doing that. That was not done. So what is required in the power sector is a comprehensive review. What I mean by review of the entire privatisation exercise does not imply that I want it cancelled.

“The privatisation listing was supposed to be reviewed within five years and 10 years. But nothing of such was done. No government since Buhari to this point has warmed up to the proposal to do that.

“Ownership today of some of these privatisation entities that are in the hands or owned by those who have entrenched interests, those who are connected to the government in power.

“So what is a minister coming to do in the face of such a situation? To undervalue the equity shares of some of these Discos? The Discos that undervalue the shares at N15bn, meanwhile are raking between N25bn and N30bn every month.

“A minister can come and stamp his feet and pay a small sum. When they say he who pays the piper, dictates the tune. If we can have a minister who will be bold enough to tell Mr President the truth and it will work.”

Adighije’s NDPHC Performance Spurs Presidency Consideration For Power Ministry is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Arsenal were denied a late winning opportunity after a controversial VAR intervention in a gripping 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The defining moment came in the 78th minute when referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded Arsenal a third penalty of the night after Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge from David Hancko.

However, following a VAR review, the Dutch official overturned his decision, ruling that the contact was insufficient, much to the relief of the home crowd.

The Gunners had earlier taken the lead through Viktor Gyokeres, who confidently converted from the spot after being brought down by Hancko.

Atletico responded before the break, also from 12 yards, as Julian Alvarez calmly slotted home after Ben White was penalised for handball following another VAR check.

Arsenal, chasing just their second-ever Champions League final appearance, dominated large spells of the first half with composed possession and attacking intent. But Diego Simeone’s side came out with renewed energy after the restart, putting the visitors under sustained pressure.

Alvarez nearly added a second with a curling free-kick that drifted narrowly wide, while Antoine Griezmann rattled the crossbar in a moment that had Arsenal scrambling. Ademola Lookman also came close but fired straight at goalkeeper David Raya from a promising central position.

Atletico’s momentum was briefly halted when Alvarez was forced off with an apparent injury, allowing Arsenal to regain control and push forward in search of a winner.

That opportunity seemed to arrive when Eze was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box late on, only for VAR to intervene once more and overturn the decision. The reversal sparked loud celebrations inside the stadium, while Arsenal players were left visibly frustrated.

Despite the setback, the visitors continued to threaten, with substitute Cristhian Mosquera testing Jan Oblak with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in London. Arsenal will take confidence from the result, though they may feel aggrieved at the missed late opportunity to secure an advantage.

The winner of the tie will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres acknowledged the challenge of the encounter while remaining optimistic ahead of the return leg.

“I think in the first half we controlled the game quite well. We had a few good opportunities and managed to score,” he said.

“In the second half they started much better and managed to get a goal. Towards the end we had a few okay chances. Overall it was a tough game, it’s a tough place to come, but it’s only half-time.

“I didn’t see either of the penalties so it’s difficult to say, but that’s football. I don’t know why they turned the second penalty down, it looked like contact, but it’s the referee’s decision.

“We know when we play at home with our fans it’s going to be different. We just have to do our job and be at our best.”

UCL: Arsenal Hold Atletico To 1-1 Draw In Semi-Final is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States government has charged the sitting governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offences, in a sweeping indictment unsealed Wednesday in a Manhattan federal court.

The most prominent defendant is Rubén Rocha Moya, who has served as governor of Sinaloa since November 2021. Authorities allege that Rocha and the other defendants played essential roles in helping the Sinaloa drug cartel ship fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. As of Wednesday, none of the defendants were in custody.

The indictment alleged that the accused were closely aligned with the faction of the Sinaloa cartel run by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former cartel leader now serving a life sentence in a US prison. Some of the defendants, according to the indictment, personally participated in the cartel’s campaign of violence and retribution.

Among those indicted, at least three officials including Rocha, the mayor of Sinaloa’s capital, and a senator were affiliated with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s party, Morena.

Rocha was also a staunch ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his “Hugs, Not Bullets” policy, which avoided direct confrontation with drug cartels.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that the Sinaloa Cartel has flooded American communities with dangerous drugs for decades, adding that the cartel would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on its payroll.

DEA head Terrance Cole said the indictment exposes a deliberate effort to undermine public institutions and put American lives at risk, adding that the charged officials used positions of trust to protect cartel operations.

Rocha flatly rejected the accusations, saying he categorically and completely denies all charges and described them as baseless. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that any U.S. investigation targeting individuals in Mexico must have its evidence reviewed by the Mexican Attorney General’s Office.

The charges follow a statement last week by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson, who said the US administration would launch an anti-corruption campaign targeting Mexican officials linked to organised crime.

This is not the first time a senior Mexican official has faced U.S. drug charges. Former public security secretary Genaro García Luna was convicted in 2023 of accepting bribes to protect the Sinaloa Cartel and was sentenced to more than 38 years in prison.

U.S. Charges Mexican Governor, Nine Officials With Drug Trafficking is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026 as a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

The minister commended Nigerian workers for their hardwork and dedication to national development, noting that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.

He also encouraged workers to be patriotic, productive, and dedicated to their duties for the country’s sustainable development.

Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth.

He further urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding, and use the occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hardwork in building the nation.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has declared immunization a non-negotiable responsibility, urging residents to treat it as an urgent duty to protect every child and safeguard communities from preventable diseases.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, at the flag-off of the 2026 World and African Immunization Week at the Primary Health Care Centre along Peter Sarki Road, Tunga, the governor described the event as a decisive call to action rather than a routine ceremony.

“Behind every vaccination is a life protected and a future secured,” he stated, aligning with this year’s theme, “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work.”

Bago underscored the proven impact of vaccines globally, noting that they have saved millions of lives, eradicated smallpox, and pushed polio to the brink of extinction.

He stressed that these milestones represent real human stories—children who survived, families kept intact, and communities spared needless suffering.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor said all 25 local government areas are fully mobilised for the exercise, assuring residents that vaccines are free, safe, and effective.

He charged parents and caregivers to ensure that no child misses out on routine immunization.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government and former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mustapha Jibril, challenged community leaders to confront misinformation head-on and drive acceptance at the grassroots level.

He stressed that achieving the state’s target of vaccinating over 80 percent of children will require sustained efforts by the Ministry of Health and its development partners, particularly in reaching hard-to-access communities.

Dismissing widespread myths about vaccines, Jibril pledged that all 25 local government chairmen would align with the state’s health agenda to ensure every eligible child is immunized.

Delivering a goodwill message, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Team Lead, Grace Odeyemi, reiterated that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in preventing childhood diseases.

She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Niger State in identifying and reaching zero-dose children.

Voices from the community further highlighted the impact of immunization. An expectant mother, Aisha Isa, called on women to prioritise vaccination, noting that consistent antenatal care has provided her with guidance and confidence throughout her pregnancy.

A nursing mother, Katumi Aliyu, also shared her experience of regular clinic visits, describing how continuous medical support has strengthened her trust in the healthcare system.

‘No excuses’ – Bago orders full immunization coverage across Niger

The Naira appreciated slightly against the official foreign exchange market, the United States Dollar, on Wednesday, halting its depreciation trend.

Central Bank of Nigeria data showed that the Naira strengthened moderately to N1,379.46 on Wednesday, up from N1,380.71 recorded on Tuesday.

This means that on a day-to-day basis, the Naira gained N1.25 against the dollar.

Meanwhile, at the black market, the Naira stood at N1,395 per dollar on Wednesday, down from N1,393 traded on Tuesday, according to Abubakar Hassan, a Bureau de Change operator in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

This comes as the country’s foreign reserves extended their decline to $48.37 billion as of April 28, 2026, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data.

Recall that since last week, the Naira had continued its depreciation streak against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today, April 29, 2026: Nigerian currency records appreciation

France’s far-right leader Jordan Bardella believes the leadership in Iran remains intact despite the loss of influential figures in the United States military operation.

“The Americans have probably underestimated their adversary,” the president of the National Rally noted, likening the current situation to the war in Afghanistan in Iraq.

In an interview with French news network BFMTV, Bardella said it was clear that the desire to destabilize the cohort of Tehran “cannot be achieved with just air operations.”

The leading contender for the 2027 presidential election observed the “Iranian regime seems more solid than expected” and is likely more resilient than expected.

Bardella, president of the National Rally, further argued that the top echelon in the Islamic Republic is “more radicalized” than it was before February 28.

The party leader decried the conflict’s effect on countries suffering the consequences, saying he had been cautious about President Donald Trump’s potential for external interventions.

Bardella described Trump’s policy as “erratic,” as no one can predict his actions. “When you change your position very regularly, you no longer provide certainty,” he said.

Such a capricious disposition, according to the 30-year-old politician, affects the reliability and credibility of the United States on the international stage.

Bardella, however, emphasized that he favors the fall of the Iranian regime but opposes the deployment of French soldiers or European troops onto Iranian soil.

US underestimated Iran before war – France’s Bardella

Residents of the Minannata area in Sokoto have intensified calls for justice following the brutal killing of a teacher in the community.

Usman Halilu, whose death has sparked outrage and grief across the community was murdered by one Mansur also from Minannata area.

Residents say the incident was linked to an earlier grudge stemming from a mobile phone theft case.

According to Maccido Muhammad, a community member, he said that the matter was reported to the police, and the suspect was reportedly found in possession of the phone during investigations

He said that the attack occurred late at night on Saturday as the victim was returning home after closing his shop.

“At about 11 p.m, he was on his way home when the suspect attacked him with a knife. He stabbed him, and the victim cried out for help, asking to be taken to the hospital,” Maccido narrated.

Eyewitnesses said the attacker fled briefly but returned moments later to stab the victim again, leaving residents too frightened to intervene.

The victim was later rushed to the hospital but died on the way.

Following the incident, the suspect reportedly fled but was later apprehended and handed over to the police by members of the community.

“The case was initially reported at a Unguwan Rogo police station before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation”

While commending residents for not resorting to jungle justice, a human rights lawyer Barrister Abdulrahaman Jariri urged authorities to ensure that the case is handled transparently and that the perpetrator is brought to book.

He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasizing that the matter requires legal and government intervention rather than self-help.

“This is not an issue for self-action. It requires due process, legal engagement and government response” he stated.

He called on the Sokoto State Government, stakeholders and lawmakers to take concrete steps, including supporting the family of the deceased.

“We are calling on the government to step in, not only to ensure justice but also to support the family of this dedicated and patriotic citizen”

“While we commend the state governor for visiting the community, we urged authorities to go beyond symbolic gestures and provide meaningful assistance”

He further assured the community of his commitment to pursuing justice through legal means, urging residents to remain patient and resilient as the process unfolds.

“We will do everything within the law to ensure justice is served,” he said.

Another resident, Malam Mudassiru, who said he had known the suspect for over 20 years, alleged that the accused had previously exhibited signs of violent behaviour, though not to this extent.

“There were earlier incidents that raised concerns about his conduct. Even his family was worried,” he added.

Mudassiru further noted that the suspect’s family had distanced themselves from the crime and were not attempting to shield him.

Sokoto Community Seeks Justice As Suspected Phone Thief Murders Teacher is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s apex court has fixed Thursday, April 30, to deliver judgments in the leadership disputes rocking two major opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in rulings that could carry significant implications for the 2027 general elections.

The Supreme Court issued notices on Wednesday indicating it would rule on four separate appeals linked to the crises within both parties. A five member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba had on April 22 reserved judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.

For the PDP, the appeals centre on the validity of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. A lower court had ruled that the party failed to comply with due process, directing it to conduct fresh meetings and congresses with the required 21 day statutory notice to INEC.

The Tanimu Turaki led faction challenged the ruling, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, faulting the PDP for proceeding with the convention despite a subsisting restraining order.

Another appeal by the same faction seeks to overturn an order barring INEC from monitoring the Ibadan convention.

In the ADC, the dispute centres on a leadership battle between former Senate President David Mark and a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. Mark is challenging a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo, arguing that the court interfered in an internal party matter.

The crisis escalated after INEC removed Mark and former Ogun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as ADC National Chairman and Secretary respectively from its portal, citing the appellate court’s directive. The commission said it would not recognise any faction pending final resolution of the dispute.

The rulings are considered crucial as INEC has fixed May 10 as the deadline for political parties to submit membership registers ahead of the 2027 elections.

Lawyers representing the ADC warned in a letter dated April 28 that the commission’s actions had effectively left the party without recognised leadership despite its status as a registered political party.

The judgments are expected to shape the internal structures of both opposition parties and could influence political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls. The ADC ruling has been scheduled for 2pm.

Supreme Court To Rule On PDP, ADC Leadership Crises Thursday is first published on The Whistler Newspaper