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The race for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Women Football League title will resume on Friday at the Adokie Amesiemaka stadium in the garden city of Port-Harcourt, Rivers.

In the crucial round, FC Robo Queens will face Bayelsa Queens, Abia Angels take on Nasarawa Amazons while Edo Queens clash with Rivers Angels.

In the results of match day three, Edo Queens moved to the top of the NWFL Super Six standing after a dominant 6-2 victory over Abia Angels.

The Benin City-based side produced another devastating attacking display to secure a second consecutive win, coming back from their opening-day defeat to Nasarawa Amazons.

Bayelsa Queens took the bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over Rivers Angels in the South-South derby.

Meanwhile, FC Robo Queens shrugged off their successive defeats to secure a first win of the tournament and Nasarawa Amazons’ perfect start to the Super Six with a 2-0 victory.

After frustrating the Lafia side for much of the contest, Robo struck twice in the second half through Opeyemi Ajakaye, who scored her seventh goal of the season, and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, who netted her 11th to revive Robos’ hopes heading into the final rounds while handing Nasarawa Amazons their first defeat of the competition.

As it stands, Edo Queens sit atop the Super Six standings on goal difference, level on six points with Nasarawa Amazons. Bayelsa Queens occupy third place on four points, while Abia Angels, Rivers Angels and FC Robo Queens remain firmly in contention as the competition enters its business end.

Edo Queens Lead NWFL Super Six Ahead Crucial Fixtures Friday is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The 12th Prosecution Witness, PW12, Christopher Odofin, in the trial of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, told Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Abuja, how Sirika allegedly passed off an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airline as that of the promised Nigeria Air by the government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The decoy aircraft, adorned with the livery of the promised Nigeria Air, found its way on the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on May 27, 2023, being three days to the expiration of the tenure of the Buhari government and was flown back to Addis Ababa in the morning of May 29, 2023, being the handover date to the successor government.

Hadi Sirika is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on amended six-count, bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N2 billion, alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

The contract for the setting up of Nigeria Air was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, belonging to Gabriel Tilmann, a close associate and friend of the former minister.

Reading from a portion of contract agreement with Ethiopian Airline, the witness, an investigator with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said “The aircraft will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) late evening of May 26, 2023 for it to be positioned early morning of May 27, 2023 at the Abuja (ABV) airport. The aircraft will stay in ABV airport for static display of Nigeria Air livery until May 28, 2023. The aircraft will leave ABV airport early morning on May, 29, 2023. The chartered flight will be operated by the Ethiopian Airline crew in Ethiopian Airline uniform. The Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigeria Air may put together local models who will be in Nigeria Air uniforms to pose for ceremonial pictures. The models may come to Addis Ababa so they may fly with the chartered flight to ABV.”

The witness told the court that the display of the aircraft in Abuja International Airport was deliberately planned to coincide with the end of the first defendant’s tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on May 29, 2023 and to pass the aircraft off as the actualization of his promise of the return of Nigeria Air. After the less than 72 hours display of the aircraft, he stated that the Nigeria Air logo was removed from the aircraft and flown back to Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa.

The witness further disclosed that the investigating team was also able to ascertain that Ethiopian Airlines entered into a charter arrangement for the static display of the Nigeria Air livery for a duration of just three days, beginning from May 27 to May 29, 2023 based on information and documents received from the airline following a letter from it, dated June 12, 2023, in response to the EFCC’s request for information regarding Nigeria Air. And that though the purpose of the contract was for the establishment of Nigeria Air, the charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines was entered on May 24, 2023, five days to the expiration of the defendant’s tenure for just a static display of the Nigeria Air logo on an aircraft.

All the documents tendered in evidence by the prosecution were shown to have been duly signed, authorized, and accompanied by certificates of identification and were not objected to by any of the counsels to the four defendants.

Among the exhibits is a compact disk containing a voice note from the first defendant, Hadi Sirika, marked Exhibit 37, which the prosecution counsel applied to be played in the court at the next adjourned date.

Further in his testimony, the witness told the court told that though the contract for the start-up of Nigeria Air, which was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for over N299 million on April 4, 2022, saw a contract extension award to the company on October 17, 2022, to a sum, exceeding N599 million on the instructions and directives of the first defendant, based on his relationship with the company’s alter ego.

According to him “The investigating team arrived at this position when the phone of one Enitan Muyiwa Abel, who was a Permanent Secretary in the first defendant’s ministry was analysed, showing a voice note sent to the Permanent Secretary while the first defendant was in Spain instructing him to ensure that the contract was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.”

 Justice Oriji adjourned the matter till June 17, 2026 for the continuation of the trial.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly played at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.

Portugal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, who finished off a cutback from Diogo Dalot.

Nigeria responded strongly and equalised in the 36th minute through Akor Adams, who powered his way past the Portuguese defence before slotting the ball beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The first half ended 1-1, with the Super Eagles showing good fight against the star-studded Portuguese side.

Portugal regained the lead in the second half after substitute Francisco Conceição struck in the 74th minute with a brilliant finish from the right side.

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made important saves late in the game to keep the scoreline respectable.

Cristiano Ronaldo featured for Portugal but failed to get on the scoresheet before he was substituted in the second half.

The result gives Portugal victory in their final warm-up match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria will take positives from the performance despite the defeat.

 Statement by Nigerian Army

TROOPS OF 12 BRIGADE FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTEMPT TO ABDUCT SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KOGI STATE

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under 2 Division Nigerian Army have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, thwarting the plans of terrorists who disguised themselves in military uniforms to carry out the attack.

The successful operation was conducted on 10 June 2026 following credible information provided by vigilant members of the community who alerted troops on patrol to the activities of the terrorists within the area. 

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops immediately mobilised and advanced to the community to prevent the criminals from achieving their objective.

On arrival, troops discovered that the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them. 

Without delay, the troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their mission and flee the area. During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot injuries upon the approach and engagement by the troops.

Sadly, before the arrival of troops, the terrorists had killed a teacher and a resident of the community. Their actions further underscore the criminal and inhumane nature of the terrorists who continue to target innocent civilians.

The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives. The operation also reflects the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities across the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing bandits. Additionally, considering the interconnected nature of the community to adjoining Kwara and Niger State, other security outfits in the neighbouring state have been intimated to block fleeing bandits. 

Other measures aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action, reassuring residents and preventing any further attacks have been emplaced. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

HASSAN ABDULLAHI

Lieutenant

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations

12 Brigade Nigerian Army

10 June 2026

The Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU), at its emergency meeting held on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, has approved the reappointment of Mr Emmanuel A. Fanu as Registrar and Secretary to Council, and the appointment of Mr Olabisi Yusuf as the new Bursar of the University.

Both appointments take effect from Thursday, 2 July 2026, for a four-year tenure.

Mr Fanu, a staff member since 1999, previously served in several administrative roles and as Acting Registrar between June 2021 and February 2022 before his substantive appointment in 2022. He is an alumnus of LASU with qualifications in Science Education, Public Administration, and a Diploma in Law.

Mr Yusuf, with over 20 years of experience in university financial management, has served in various capacities within LASU’s Bursary Department, including Deputy Bursar at ACEITSE. He is a Fellow of ICAN and Associate Member of CITN, with HND, BSc, and MSc in Accounting.

Notably, both appointees trace their roots to Badagry, a community widely regarded for producing distinguished professionals and administrators contributing meaningfully to the growth of Lagos State.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, congratulated both appointees and wished them a successful tenure.

The United States early Thursday launched air strikes on Southern Iran causing explosions in the major Iranian cities.

Iranian media reports that five enemy projectiles hit a site in the Kargan area of the city of Minab in southern Iran.

According to Iranian media, explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas, while there were blasts and air defense activity in Jask, Qeshm, and Sirik in the Hormozgan province.

These cam as the US Central Command, CENTCOM, announced that American forces had begun launching additional self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran.

CENTCOM said President Donald Trump ordered the strikes in response to what it described as Iran’s continued aggression.

Explosions hit major cities as US launches new strikes on Iran

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has suspended the operator’s permit and grounded a private aircraft that departed from an incident site near Asaba without the necessary regulatory approval.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo stated that the aircraft was involved in an incident around 7:43 a.m. local time while attempting to land at Asaba Airport. It is said that the aircraft executed a missed approach and subsequently landed on a concrete road that was under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area, close to Asaba.

The minister noted that there were four crew members aboard the aircraft, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. He further mentioned that reports from the scene confirmed that all individuals on board exited the aircraft safely and were transported to Asaba by road.

Keyamo indicated that the aircraft departed the location at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without securing the necessary regulatory approval.

“I have also been informed that the aircraft subsequently left the site at around 11:02 GMT and made its way back to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory clearance.

“Additionally, I understand that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft had taken off. In essence, the aircraft did not have permission to take off again,” he stated.

Keyamo characterized the incident as a significant violation of aviation regulations and security protocols.

He mentioned that the NCAA grounded the aircraft immediately upon its arrival in Lagos, pending the results of an investigation. The authority has also placed the flight under regulatory review and is scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding both the landing incident and the aircraft’s subsequent departure.

The minister confirmed that the NCAA is collaborating with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to ascertain the complete details of the incident.

He stated that the NCAA grounded the aircraft immediately upon its arrival in Lagos, pending the results of an investigation. The authority has also subjected the flight to a regulatory review and is scrutinizing the circumstances related to both the landing incident and the aircraft’s later departure.

The minister indicated that the NCAA is collaborating with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to ascertain the complete details of the event.

He further revealed that the authority had suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, PNCF, and would be reviewing operational, maintenance, airworthiness, and flight records as part of its inquiry.

“The NCAA will also examine all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory duties and will take additional enforcement actions in accordance with relevant aviation regulations,” he stated.

Keyamo added that security agencies have taken custody of the crew and are aiding in the ongoing investigations.

“I have also communicated with the pertinent security agencies and have been assured that the crew are in their custody and are assisting them with their investigation,” he mentioned.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with aviation regulators and security agencies anticipated to clarify the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s landing and subsequent departure from the site.

NCAA grounds aircraft for unauthorized departure after missed approach In Asaba

There was palpable fear in Osun State on Wednesday following the sudden collapse of a podium where guests, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were seated at a rally held in Ijebu-Jesa.

In a 30-second video showed the moment the podium caved in, Adeleke, Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, were among those on the platform when the incident occurred.

In the video, musical performances were ongoing when the event anchor brought the session to a close and was about to announce the next item on the programme before the podium collapsed.

A source at the event, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to comment, said the incident disrupted proceedings.

He, however, added that the programme later resumed after security personnel evacuated those involved from the rubble.

“The incident happened. The event is the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. The event was held in Ijebu-Jesa, and the crowd was a bit much.

“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that part of the podium that collapsed. No casualty. The event resumed, and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” he said.

When contacted for reaction, the Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, said the incident was not as serious as being portrayed.

“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet. No injuries.

“Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued. There were no casualties. The governor, after leaving the venue, went to another event in Odo-Otin Local Government,” Bamiji said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the operational permit of an airline operator after one of its aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, and later departed the scene without obtaining regulatory approval, an act the regulators described as a violation of aviation regulations.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, saying the CAA had received preliminary reports concerning an occurrence involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba.

However, the regulator refused to mention either the operators or the airline’s name.

According to the Authority, the incident began when the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport.

The regulator further disclosed that following the aborted landing attempt, the aircraft touched down on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, an unusual development that immediately drew the attention of aviation authorities and local residents.

The NCAA said, “Available information indicates that the aircraft conducted a missed approach at approximately 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba, “Subsequently, the aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba. Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.”

Despite the emergency situation, the NCAA said there were no casualties, noting that the aircraft had only four crew members on board.

“The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” the Authority said.

Providing details of the alleged incident, the Authority stated, “Preliminary information available to the Authority indicates that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.”

The NCAA further revealed that air traffic authorities were not informed before the flight departed.

Describing the action as a clear infraction of existing regulations, the Authority stressed that the unauthorised departure is now under investigation.

“The Authority has also been informed that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. This action constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and is currently under investigation by the Authority,” the statement noted.

As a consequence, the NCAA said it moved swiftly to prevent any further operation of the aircraft pending the outcome of investigations.

The Authority also announced disciplinary and regulatory measures against those involved in the operation of the flight.

“Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.

“The flight crew have been placed under regulatory review while the NCAA conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorised departure of the aircraft,” the statement said.

“In the interim, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial Flight,” the Authority disclosed.

The NCAA said it had notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and was collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the operator, to determine the full circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

“The NCAA has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau of the occurrence and is coordinating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

The Authority added that investigators would scrutinise all relevant records linked to the aircraft and operator.

Achimugu stated, “The Authority will review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory responsibilities and will take further enforcement action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations.”