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Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate, unconditional release of a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Abdulladir Zaria, from the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, and the Department of the State Services, DSS.

The cleric was detained following his arrest in connection with the alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu

The judge, in a judgment on Monday, imposed a fine of N2 million each on DIA and DSS, to be paid to the cleric, for breaching sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the way and manner the 75-year-old man was hauled into detention for more than two months without trial.

Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights suit instituted against DIA and others by the detained Islamic cleric,
Justice Lifu ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Jaiz Bank to pay N1 million each as compensation to the plaintiff for freezing his bank account without order of any law court.

Besides, the Federal High Court directed the DIA and DSS to tender public apology to the detained islamic scholar for the breach of his fundamental rights.

Sheikh Sani Abdulladir Zaria was hauled into detention without order of court for allegedly associating with one of those involved in the alleged coup plot against President Tinubu.

Justice Lifu lambasted the DIA for its refusal to subordinate itself to civil rule and rule of law by refusing to produce the detained man in court when ordered to do so.

The judge said that as agency established by law, the DIA should not place itself above the law of the land in the discharge of its statutory functions.

He noted that Nigeria, being a signatory to different international conventions on human rights, cannot afford to record such cases of victimization.

The judge noted that since December 11, 2025, the applicant was kept in “safe custody” without access to family and associates after an investigation was opened about him, on grounds described as security reasons.

Justice Lifu ordered the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to ensure immediate compliance with the judgment.

The cleric was detained by the DIA since December last year following the discovery of N2 million in his Jaiz Bank account – paid by one of the indicted coup plotters.

Although he agreed to forfeit the amount to the Federal Government to regain his freedom, the security agency held him to determine the level of his complicity in the alleged coup plot.

The Islamic cleric claimed innocence of the alleged crimes adding that the person who transferred the money into his account was just one of his disciples.

Others sued along with DIA by Zaria’s lawyers Sunusi Musa, SAN, Abdul Aliyu, SAN, and Mohammed Sheriff, are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc.

Court orders release of Islamic cleric detained over coup plot against Tinubu govt

Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East at the Senate, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was reportedly denied access to the ongoing All Progressives Congress Ogun East stakeholders meeting at Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode, on Monday.

Daniel disclosed this in a viral video in circulation.

The video showed the former governor addressing party supporters from his white campaign bus, branded with the OGD/PBAT Movement.

Daniel said, “We are here for our Ogun East APC caucus meeting, but surprisingly, we have been barred; we are told that we can’t enter, but let it be said that whatever they do here today is null and void.”

The invitation letter for the emergency stakeholders meeting sent out by the leadership of the party in Ijebu Ode included deputy governors, past and serving local government chairmen, councillors, past and serving members of both the state and National Assemblies, among others, as expected to attend.

I Was Barred From Ogun APC Stakeholders Meeting — Gbenga Daniel is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Agatu Constituency, Godwin Edoh, has warned that insecurity could hinder the conduct of the 2027 general elections in Agatu Local Government Area if urgent action is not taken.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Monday, the lawmaker expressed concern over persistent attacks in the area, noting that several communities have been abandoned over the past four years due to repeated assaults by suspected herdsmen.

He said, “As I speak to you now, in Obagaji (headquarters of Agatu), for instance, we have deployment of Air Force, soldiers, special police squad and Civil Defence personnel.

“Despite the presence of these security agents, all the people from the hinterlands have relocated to the LG headquarters in Obagaji.

“Some of those villages in the hinterland have been deserted, the people can no longer engage in farming and fishing because those are the two sources of livelihood in the council.

“My fear is that if this attack continues unchecked, it will be difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the 2027 general elections in the areas, because they are not accessible right now.”

Edoh further stated that essential facilities such as schools, markets, and primary healthcare centres in the affected communities have been destroyed.

He, however, commended the directive issued by Governor Hyacinth Alia, ordering security forces to clear criminal elements from forest areas in the state.

The lawmaker expressed hope that proper implementation of the directive would restore calm and enable displaced residents to return home.

He also urged both federal and state authorities to extend ongoing housing programmes for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to the area, to support resettlement efforts.

Meanwhile, displaced residents who had sought refuge in Obagaji recently staged protests over their prolonged stay in camps, calling for assistance to return to their homes and livelihoods.

Insecurity may disrupt 2027 elections in Benue — Lawmaker warns

African Democratic Congress, ADC, youths are set to protest at offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Lagos, Ogun and Jigawa states on Monday (today).

The protest is geared towards demanding the removal of INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan under the #AmupitanMustGo campaign.

The party’s National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, made this known in a post on X on Monday, where he shared flyers for the Lagos and Ogun demonstrations, both tagged ‘Operation Occupy INEC’.

Rufai stated that the Lagos protest would begin from Yaba College of Technology, while the Ogun protest is scheduled at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited office in Abeokuta.

DAILY POST reports that the planned protests are coming weeks after prominent opposition figures staged a similar ‘Occupy INEC’ protest in Abuja, on April 8, 2026.

ADC chieftains that participated in the Abuja protest include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola and Dino Melaye.

ADC youths set for AmupitanMustGo protests in Lagos, Ogun, Jigawa

Unstable grid power makes alternative energy a must in Nigeria. Solar and inverter systems lead the way for homes and businesses.

The Nigerian Navy said it has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.

The operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre, WRCC, at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

It said the Quick Response Team, QRT, of NNS BEECROFT, stationed at Tarkwa Bay, was immediately deployed to the vessel’s location.

“The team successfully rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline,” statement signed by Captain A Florunsho, Director Naval Information said.

The Navy said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 17 April 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.

The statement added, “The individuals identified as Aguru Michael (27), a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta State, reportedly intended to stow away to Europe,” it added.

It said that this recent rescue effort exemplifies the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.

“Building on previous successful SAR missions—such as the rescue of seven individuals after the collision involving a Tantita Patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026—the Navy continues to demonstrate its robust operational tempo in countering irregular migration and ensuring maritime safety across Nigeria’s waters.

“The suspects are now in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing thorough investigation and administrative processing in line with established laws.

“The Nigerian Navy reaffirms its dedication to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and maintaining effective Search and Rescue operations to combat illegal activities within the country’s territorial waters.”

Nigerian Navy intercepts three stowaways aboard Europe-bound vessel

Reality TV personality Angel Smith has responded to the controversy trailing her separation from her partner, Tumininu, rejecting claims that she withheld funds and maintaining she could not “run away” with money she did not have

Her response follows days after Tumininu publicly demanded the return of $40,000 and other concessions following the breakdown of their marriage, which was formalised in a private ceremony in the United States earlier this year.

In a now-viral interview with a mutual acquaintance, Angel addressed the claims, explaining that a bank held the funds in question and that they were not directly accessible to her.

“I told you that I’m not going to apply more pressure on my bankers. When they do it, they do it… I’m not going to do that anymore,” she said, adding, “I can’t run away with the money.”

She further stated that she had refrained from responding publicly until now, despite repeated online posts about her.

“I haven’t said anything to date… one person is being pressed, and I’m still trying to maintain my composure,” she said.

Angel also alleged that her international passport and some personal belongings were in Tumininu’s possession, raising questions about her ability to move freely.

“Where would I go in America when you know she has my passport? Where am I going?” she said, adding that she could report the matter to authorities if necessary.

She further claimed that police were previously called on her and her friends, describing the situation as potentially dangerous.

“She called 10 police officers… it could have gone bad so quickly, and we’re all Black,” she said. Amid the growing controversy, Angel’s family has publicly backed her.

Her father, Baron Meyagy, in a now-deleted Instagram post, reaffirmed his support, stating that the family would stand by her regardless of the circumstances.

Her mother, Titi Brownshugar, also dismissed claims that Angel owed money, arguing that the online narrative was misleading.

The fallout between the former couple has played out largely on social media, with both parties making allegations ranging from financial disputes to personal misconduct.

Angel, however, maintained that she disengaged from communication after being advised to do so, accusing her former partner of escalating the situation publicly.

“I stopped texting her when she kept posting me online,” she said.

She added that the experience has led her to reconsider her stay in the United States.
“I don’t even want to be here anymore… it feels like no matter what I do, I’m consistently misunderstood,” she said

Angel Denies Withholding $40,000 From Partner is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has informed prospective corps members deployed to Enugu and Osun that the orientation exercise for the two states will commence on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, and end on Monday, 18th May, 2026 – one week after commencement in the other 34 states and the FCT.

The NYSC management, in a statement signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, said the adjustment is due to the on-going extensive renovation of the camps by the state governments, which has necessitated the change in date.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Orientation Exercise for all other states and the FCT is scheduled to be held from Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 – Tuesday 12th May 2026,” the statement said.

“Affected Prospective Corps Members are to duly note these differing dates for compliance, please.”

The NYSC wished all prospective corps members a safe journey to their states of deployment.

NYSC announces new date for Enugu, Osun orientation camps

An activist, Emeka Ijere, Monday, predicted that Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State would not enjoy much support of the people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone during the 2027 general election.

THE WHISTLER reports that the zone is composed of Nsukka, Uzo-Uwani, Igbo-Etiti, Igboeze North, Igboeze South and Udenu local government areas, and forms the largest population of the three senatorial zones of the state.

Ijere, who spoke with our correspondent in the aftermath of a rally in support of the Mbah re-election in 2027, stated that the governor’s abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party under which he was elected was a major reason for his loss of support of the people of the zone.

He recalled that in the governorship election of 2023, Gov Mbah “won by only the skin of teeth”, adding that he was saved “by the intrinsic campaign flow long imbibed in our consciousness by our loyalty to the political fathers of the state”.

He stated that, “After the scratched victory, Gov Mbah in an incomprehensible turn ditched PDP – the party through which he ascended to power. He then joined Buhari-Tinubu’s APC; a poorly assembled party that is bereft of all Igbo values. And so, Mbah is now left bare of the support of mostly his avid followers.”

He said the reason offered by Gov Mbah for joining APC was unacceptable. “Gov Mbah had joined APC in what he called ‘Connecting to the Centre’, thereby unfortunately applauding that infamous clause terminology that was used by various extortionist administrators of miserable African colonies in their self-gratification to getting undue favours from the home land Britain.”

Ijere also alleged that Gov Mbah abandoned the senatorial zone which, according to him, “has always been symbolic in determining ‘who becomes what’” in the state.

“They will not allow themselves marooned within the APC’s wider political sphere,” he said. “Indeed, the good people of Enugu North have moved on; and now looking into the beautiful horizon of a possible new Nigeria through the prism of His Excellency Peter Obi’s ADC. It is here that our star rises and shines.”

He therefore predicted “a shock akin to tsunami” awaiting any other party that considers making Enugu North senatorial zone a ‘battle field’ of the coming gubernatorial campaigns.

He said, “The bottom-up grassroots campaign strategy of ADC and Enugu North people shall soon be set in motion like rolling stones down the many hills of Nsukka land. The fight shall this time be taken into the forte of those who have treated us as if we do not exist. Gov Mbah’s acclaimed lofty political stance shall be reduced to mere pedestrian narratives to be understood by every youth on the street and every woman in the market. And then, the second-term campaign shall no longer stand but collapse abysmally.”

He concluded that “The collective dream of Igbo race bestowed on Mr Peter Obi for Igbo presidency cannot be truncated by a small group of government ‘employees’ battling to save their jobs with their rented crowd playing hide and seek game.”

Ijere’s position is however differs with the stance of Gov Mbah’s Special Adviser on New Media, Reuben Onyishi. Onyish has maintained that Gov Mbah enjoys “organic support having ensured the presence of his administration in all the political wards in the state through the construction of Smart Green Schools and Type-2 health centres.”

THE WHISTLER reported that the Enugu West Senatorial District had Saturday donated N100m to Mbah to purchase the form for his second term. The zone was led by its senator, Osita Ngwu, during the presentation that held at Awgu. Similarly, Awkunanaw Clan in Enugu East Senatorial Zone held a rally in Gov Mbah’s honour, and banned any person from contesting against him come 2027.

2027: Activist Predicts Poor Outing For Gov Mbah In Enugu North District is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned a suit seeking to stop Senator l Ireti Kingibe from parading herself as member of African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The suit was adjourned to June 9, 2026, for hearing.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date following an application for adjournment by counsel for the plaintiffs, I. G. Ogugwa.

Ogugwa, who said the matter was not a pre-election case shortly when it was called for hearing, prayed the court for a longer date.

DAILY POST reports that Justice Lifu had, on April 2, 2026, refused to grant an application seeking an interim order restraining Kingibe from parading herself as an ADC member.

The judge, in a ruling, rather ordered the plaintiffs in the suit to put Kingibe, who currently represents the FCT at the Senate, on notice to show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.

He then adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for hearing of all pending applications, including a preliminary objection filed by counsel to the lawmaker, Marshall Abubakar.

Two executive members of the ADC in Wuse Ward, Abuja, had sued Kingibe as sole defendant.

The plaintiffs; Mr Okezuo Kanayo, Chairman of ADC, Wuse Ward, and his Secretary, Mr Isaiah Sameul, had filed the ex-parte motion through their lawyer, Kolawole Olowookere, SAN.

In the motion, dated March 17, 2026, and filed same day, the plaintiffs sought an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from performing any functions or participating in any activities reserved for ADC’s members in any capacity, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

In their seven grounds of argument, the plaintiffs submitted that Kingibe, though a sitting senator, is first a member of ADC and is bound by the party’s constitution.

Their lawyer, Olowookere, said following substantiated allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and the physical confiscation of the ward’s statutory records, the Wuse Ward Executive Committee, on March 10 suspended her.

According to Olowookere, the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee.

He said Kingibe had continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member.

The lawyer alleged that the lawmaker also utilised her security details to intimidate the ward executives, thereby creating a state of anarchy.

ADC crisis: Court adjourns suit against Ireti Kingibe till June 9