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It was Marcus Garvey, the Jamaica-born British political activist, that said, “We have a beautiful history, but we will create one that will astonish the world.” But as things stand presently on the African continent, our leaders are not astonishing the world in positive ways, rather reenacting historical mistakes in their alliances and allegiances to foreign powers and interests.

The spirit of Ubuntu is severely weakened. Pan-Africanism that should be the glue to forging a common front is facing unprecedented assault on the continent. Pan-Africanism as a belief that Africans on the continent and in the diaspora share not only a common history, but also a common destiny, holds but little weight as leaders on the continent in their mistaken belief of forging new relationships tilt towards the Kremlin and Beijing with its broken record of democracy, rule or law and human rights. It is pertinent to stress that Pan-Africanism was developed at a time of crisis and tragedy, and anchored on the principle that unity among Africans is vital for their economic, social, cultural, and political progress. This thinking still remains valid and should be the basis on which our leaders should act. But the poser remains: Are there?

In the wake of their military seizure of power in their respective countries, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, immediately withdraw from the sub-regional body, ECOWAS, and in fits of anti-colonial rhetoric severed relationships with their European allies such as France, UK and the Americans with the allegations that they have stymied development on their countries and the continent as a whole. It would be imagined that such move would be tailored towards closer ties with other African countries, rather, it was merely replacing one hegemony with another – Russia and China.

Journalist Georges Dougueli surmises it succinctly when he argues that what has happened with the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, is their misunderstanding of the 2019 Russia-Africa summit in Sochi when forty African heads of state answered Vladimir Putin’s invitation to the Black Sea resort. The continent’s authoritarian powers in search of survival and their shared contempt for democracy, disdain for civil liberties and human rights, and a common taste for absolute, eternal power, alongside a habit of imprisoning – or assassinating – troublesome opponents and journalists, felt compelled to yield to Moscow’s mirage of security.

In so doing, they have capitulated to false guarantees as recent history has shown that Moscow is incapable of standing for its “friends” whether in the case of Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela or standing up for Iran. Take the case of Mali for instance, since it turned to Russia since 2021 first with Russia-backed Wagner fighters to the present Africa Corps, there has been no improvement in the worsening insurgency. Rather, their presence has also been linked to allegations of unlawful killings, torture and arbitrary detentions and killings like the April 2022 incident when at least 50 civilians were reportedly killed and hundreds detained after a roadside bomb killed a “Russian advisor” working with Malian troops. Who holds these fellows accountable?

What of Burkina Faso? Since Ibrahim Traore led a putsch in September 2022, it has been a litany of false promises and a stab on the Pan-African spirit. Only a few days ago, the military government significantly intensified its campaign against civil society by ordering the dissolution of 118 non-governmental organisations and associations. This move targets numerous groups dedicated to human rights defence. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility announced the decision on April 15, 2026. Authorities cited a July 2025 law regarding freedom of association as the legal basis. However, the government provided no specific justification for the mass closure beyond vague references to noncompliance. The situation is no better in Niamey.

A disdain for the failure of Western alliance shouldn’t serve as impetus for internal slavery which are evident not just in these countries, but across the continent fueled by friendships of convenience which have largely decayed under a pile of broken promises, frustrated expectations and diverging visions.

There is the compelling urgency for leaders on the continent to review the parlous state of affairs for the peoples of Africa, renew their commitments to goals of growth, inclusion and democracy, deepen human rights and discard the cowering and servitude of the propaganda of Beijing and Moscow. Over sixty years of post-independent continent, the youths of Africa —comprise the majority of its population — are desirous of a chance to mobilize, exchange ideas, and organise themselves into formations that promote cultural re-discovery and belonging; inclusion and equality; collective consciousness and decision-making; and solutions to some of the crucial problems citizens and descendants of Africa face today.

Amajama, a social commentator, writes from Abuja and can be reached via amajamaip@gmail.com

OPINION: The Urgency Of New Pan-Africanism is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States government and the United Nations have launched a joint training programme for drug enforcement officers from Nigeria and nine other West African countries, in a coordinated push to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks that have increasingly used the region as a hub for smuggling narcotics into Europe and North America.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced the initiative on Friday, April 24, 2026, saying the training was delivered through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Officers of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency were among the participants, alongside counterparts from nine other West African nations.

According to the mission, the hands-on programme covered a range of critical areas including dismantling clandestine drug laboratories, sharpening investigative techniques, deepening intelligence sharing between regional agencies and disrupting criminal networks operating across borders.

“From dismantling clandestine drug labs to sharpening investigative techniques, the United States supports West African drug enforcement agencies in their fight against transnational drug traffickers that harm Americans and Africans alike,” the mission said in a statement.

The training is part of a long running collaboration between the U.S. and UNODC to strengthen West Africa’s capacity to combat drug crime. The two bodies have previously delivered joint programmes on cyber-enabled drug trafficking investigations, financial aspects of drug crime, and the detection and dismantling of clandestine laboratories, with Nigeria consistently at the centre of those efforts.

The urgency of the initiative is underscored by the scale of the problem. West Africa, once primarily a transit zone for cocaine moving from South America to Europe and North America, has in recent years also emerged as a production hub for synthetic drugs. Nigeria’s NDLEA has discovered 21 clandestine laboratories in the country since 2011, including illicit methamphetamine facilities. The drug, known locally as Mkpuru Mmiri, triggered an outbreak of abuse across Nigeria’s South East region in late 2021.

Beyond production, Nigeria remains a major transit point for heroin and cocaine bound for European, East Asian and North American markets, a role that has made building the NDLEA’s operational capacity a priority for both Washington and the UN.

The U.S. mission said the programme’s ultimate goal was to make both West Africa and the United States safer from the threat of transnational drug trafficking by stopping drugs at source and protecting communities across the region.

“This hands-on program strengthens the region’s ability to confront drug cartels by deepening cooperation and intelligence-sharing between NDLEA and its counterparts and boosting their capacity to disrupt criminal networks, stop drugs at source, and protect communities across West Africa, making the region and America safer,” the statement read.

US, UN Train NDLEA, Nine Others To Combat Drug Trafficking is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States Department of State has announced a reward of up to $10 million for any credible information that would lead to the location of a key figure in an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group, Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, KSS.

The American authorities made this announcement in a statement shared via social media on Thursday.

According to the US authorities, they are seeking details on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, the leader of KSS which Washington has designated as a terrorist organisation.

The United States pointed out that the group has been involved in deadly operations targeting civilians and American interests in the region.

“The group has killed Iraqi civilians and attacked US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as attacking US military bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria. We are therefore placing $10 million on him,” the US said.

DAILY POST reports that Al-Saraji is also reported to be a member of Iraq’s influential Coordination Framework, a Shiite political bloc that currently holds parliamentary dominance.

US places $10m bounty on Iraqi militia leader, Al-Saraji

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a suspected terror financier and intercepted stolen cattle in a renewed crackdown on banditry and criminal networks across the state.

The suspect, identified as Aminu Mai Roba, was apprehended along the Ruwa Wuri–Tangaza Road while transporting four cows allegedly linked to Lakurawa terrorist group operating in Tangaza Local Government Area.

The Sokoto state commissioner of police Hayyatu Shaffa disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence, leading operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to trail and intercept the suspect.

He said that the suspect e confirmed receiving the cattle from the Lakurawa terrorist group with instructions to sell them and remit the proceeds to the network.

The recovered livestock has been registered as exhibits, while investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider financing chain supporting banditry in the state.

The development was part of a broader operational update presented during a press briefing by the Command, which highlighted recent gains in the fight against violent crime.

The CP noted that the Command’s intensified operations align with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, particularly on proactive policing, discipline, and coordinated raids on criminal hideouts.

He said the Command has strengthened collaboration with the military, community guards, and vigilante groups, resulting in significant breakthroughs.

“Among the successes recorded was the repelling of a bandit attack on Kwarengamba and Gayya da Kwari villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area on April 8, 2026. Police tactical teams, working with other security operatives, engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds”

“During the pursuit, the fleeing bandits abandoned a sack containing 167 rounds of live ammunition, which were recovered by security operatives.”

In a separate operation on April 15, 2026, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out coordinated raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Dogon Daji (Tambuwal LGA), Mallamawa (Kware LGA), and Giyawa (Goronyo LGA), leading to the arrest of three suspects.

Shaffa said Items recovered during the raid included seven locally made Dane guns, an AK-47 magazine, a military uniform, cutlasses, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and the suspects have since been charged in court.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment, the Commissioner assured residents that the police remain resolute and strategically positioned to tackle all forms of criminality in the state.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that confidentiality would be guaranteed.

“The Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and community policing efforts to ensure that no criminal element finds safe haven in Sokoto State”

Police Nab Terror Financier, Intercept Stolen Cattle In Sokoto is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, says the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared itself an opposition against the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Dalung, a chieftain of the ADC made this statement in an interview on Friday on Trust TV’s Daily Politics.

He said, “The worst of all, when we had INEC now declaring itself as the main opposition against the ADC, that was when we have the highest number of people joining the party.

“INEC is the opposition party in Nigeria, because INEC is the only institution that has failed to act within the confines of law.

“It behaves with impunity and recklessness, because up to now, as I sit as a lawyer, I still cannot find expression of where INEC derive the power it exercises and without remorse. It is still acting as if it has the moral high grounds to do that.

“There was a court verdict against a ruling confirming suspension of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s Samuel Anyanwu from the party. But today, INEC refused to obey that court order.”

2027: INEC has declared itself opposition against ADC – Buhari’s ex-minister

Former Arsenal player Perry Groves has advised Mikel Arteta to keep Viktor Gyokeres on the sidelines in their next games.

He asserted that Kai Havertz should continue as the club’s leading striker for the upcoming matches.

In an interview with Metro, Groves stated that Gyokeres’ goal-scoring record should not guarantee him a starting position, as Havertz demonstrates superior synergy with his teammates during matches.

He pointed out that the game against Manchester City illustrated the contrast between the two forwards, saying:

“I’m a supporter of Gyokeres. I’ve defended Gyokeres throughout the season because I appreciate his attitude and playing style. He has still managed to score 18 goals,” he said.

He added, “He is adapting to our system, and we are becoming accustomed to him, but what I appreciated about the match against Man City was not only our aggressive pressing but also our ability to play long balls more swiftly.

“David Raya played a quick long ball to Havertz on the touchline, diagonally, allowing Havertz to either hold the ball up or flick it on. He likely provides a bit more control, as he is more adept at holding the ball, which means Gyokeres may need to bide his time.”

Havertz found the net in the match against Manchester City after applying pressure on Gigi Donnarumma and capitalizing on a mistake by the goalkeeper.

EPL: Perry Groves names player Mikel Arteta must drop from Arsenal lineup

Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has been confirmed dead, DAILY POST reports.

Eneramo slumped and died while training in Kaduna on Friday morning.

Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, according to SCORENigeria.

The 40-year-old was capped 10 times by Nigeria, and scored three goals.

Eneramo played for Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Lobi Stars, before moving abroad to join Tunisian giants, Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

He spent majority of his career in Turkey playing for clubs like Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Karabükspor, Istanbul Başakşehir, and 2
Manisaspor.

Former Super Eagles striker, Michael Eneramo dies in training

The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists over third-party motor vehicle insurance without a court order.

The ruling followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025 filed by activist-lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the FRSC.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Hauwa Yilwa held that while both the police and the FRSC have the power to enforce compliance with third-party motor insurance, they lack the legal authority to impose fines on alleged offenders.

The suit was initiated through an originating summons, brought pursuant to Section 17 of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1950, Sections 68(3) and (4) of the Insurance Act, 2003, as well as provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007.

Adeyanju had asked the court to determine whether the police could enforce third-party insurance, impose fines without judicial backing, and whether such enforcement during routine stop-and-search operations violated constitutional rights.

He also sought a declaration on whether the power to enforce third-party motor insurance lies exclusively with the FRSC.

In addition to the declaratory relief, the applicant requested orders of perpetual injunction restraining the police from enforcing third-party insurance and from imposing fines without judicial backing.

He further urged the court to hold the Attorney-General of the Federation accountable for providing legal guidance on the scope of police powers under the relevant statutes.

However, in its judgment, the court drew a distinction between enforcement and sanctioning powers.

Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the court upheld the authority of both the police and the FRSC to ensure compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws but firmly ruled against the imposition of fines by either agency.

According to him, the court held that “the police and the road safety may enforce” compliance but “outrightly lack the powers to impose fines on third parties or vehicle owners” in the course of such enforcement.

“The court went further to restrain the IGP, the Police Force and all their officers, including the FRSC, from imposing fines on motor vehicle users or Nigerian citizens,” Omorogbe said.

Reacting to the judgment, Adeyanju expressed satisfaction, noting that the central objective of the suit had been achieved.

“The sole reason why we came to court is that we wanted the court to make a positive declaration that the police and the road safety do not have the right to impose fines on any Nigerian over motor vehicle insurance. And we have succeeded,” he said.
He argued that the ruling would curb what he described as a pattern of extortion by enforcement agencies and restore confidence among motorists.

Adeyanju added that although the court declined to grant all the reliefs sought—particularly the request to strip the police entirely of enforcement powers—it nonetheless made a significant pronouncement on the limits of those powers.

He also urged Nigerians to take advantage of the judgment to assert their rights and seek legal remedies where necessary.

On the other hand, counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, said the judgment was only partly favourable to the police and signalled plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Okoye disclosed that the defence had raised a preliminary objection questioning the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, arguing that the originating summons was incompetent and unsuitable for resolving contentious issues.

He relied on appellate authorities to stress that jurisdiction is fundamental to adjudication and must be determined before any substantive issues.

Despite this, he noted, the court proceeded to deliver judgment.

“We envisage that we will likely challenge the proceedings at the Court of Appeal to determine if the court ought to have determined a case where the originating summons is incompetent,” he said.

Okoye further argued that the suit was improperly constituted, as the Inspector-General of Police was named as a party instead of the Nigeria Police Force as a corporate entity.

He also maintained that several issues raised by the applicant were contentious and should not have been initiated by an originating summons, which is typically reserved for non-contentious matters involving the interpretation of law.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the judgment affirmed the concurrent powers of the police and the FRSC to stop, search and verify compliance with third-party insurance requirements.

Court Bars Police, FRSC From Imposing Third-Party Insurance Fines is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Katung, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.

Katung also threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, endorsing their anticipated bids for a second term.

The lawmaker made the declaration during a meeting with the Local Government Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from his senatorial district, held in Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Midat Joseph, on Friday, Katung said his decision to re-contest was driven by the need to complete ongoing projects across Southern Kaduna.

“I am seeking a second term to consolidate on the gains we have made, complete ongoing initiatives, and continue to provide quality representation to our people,” the senator said.

Katung further linked his ambition to the broader policy direction of the Federal and Kaduna State governments, noting that the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration and the development blueprint of the Uba Sani government required experienced legislators to drive implementation at the grassroots.

He urged party stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing the importance of maintaining political alignment within the ruling party.

“The task before us requires unity, commitment, and strategic mobilisation. Southern Kaduna must remain firmly aligned with the APC to safeguard and expand the developmental strides already recorded,” he added.

The senator also assured party officials of his commitment to inclusive governance, unity, and sustained development across the eight local government areas that make up the Kaduna South Senatorial District.

Katung, who is serving his first term in the Senate, has been actively involved in legislative and constituency projects aimed at improving infrastructure and social services in the zone.

Kaduna Senator Declares Second Term Bid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Veteran producer and music executive ID Cabasa has urged Christian creatives not to shy away from pursuing a career in the secular music industry because of claims that it is “ungodly”.

The Coded Tunes boss debunked the claim as “a lie” aimed at dissuading Christians from the music industry.

He said contrary to the misconception, the devil doesn’t own the secular music industry.

On his X handle, he wrote, “If you are a Christian creatives within the secular space please pay attention! There’s an agenda to dissuade you from taking that space with a lie that the devil own that space! The devil owns Sin and carnality ‘Yes.’ But the earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof.”

Cabasa urged Christian creatives to embrace the secular music industry, stressing that “there’s evil in the world but there’s shortage of light which is why evil prevail”.

He assured, “Their evil cannot trump your light.”

‘Devil doesn’t own secular music industry’ – ID Cabasa