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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has dismissed allegations linking him to the relocation of the Dangote Refinery from Ogun State to Lagos, insisting that the decision was taken before he assumed office, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the proposed Deep Sea Port project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The governor also disclosed that oil exploration and drilling activities have commenced in Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, as part of efforts to position Ogun as an oil-producing state.

Governor Abiodun made the remarks during the commissioning of the six-kilometre Stadium–Luba–Tam Balogun Road in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.

“We are working tirelessly on our port project. The Deep Sea Port is on course, and Ogun State will have one of the deepest and longest ports in Sub-Saharan Africa, if not the entire continent.

“It will boast the longest berth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Very soon, we will unveil full details of the project,” he said.

The governor recalled his campaign promise to make Ogun an oil-producing state, noting that the state had always possessed significant oil deposits that remained untapped for years.

“During my campaign, I promised that Ogun State would become an oil-producing state under my administration. The oil we are now working to establish in commercial quantities has always been here. Previous administrations had the opportunity, but it is under my tenure that meaningful progress is being made,” he stated.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the Dangote Refinery project, Abiodun said those who managed the affairs of the state at the time should bear responsibility for its relocation.

“A few days ago, I saw reports on social media claiming that just as Dapo Abiodun allowed the refinery project to leave Ogun State, he has also abandoned the Deep Sea Port project.

“First, was I the governor when the refinery was moved to Lagos? If anything, I did everything within my capacity to retain the refinery in Ogun State, but others, through their irresponsibility, allowed the project to slip away,” he said.

The governor highlighted several landmark projects undertaken by his administration in Ogun East Senatorial District, including the federal takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education, the development of the Dry Port, ongoing oil exploration activities, and the reconstruction of the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

He disclosed that more than 26 roads had been completed in Ijebu-Ode since his administration declared an emergency on road infrastructure in the area, while 12 additional road projects are currently under construction.

Governor Abiodun urged residents to take ownership of the newly commissioned road and refrain from dumping refuse in drainage channels, noting that the project was funded with taxpayers’ money. He expressed confidence that the road would boost economic activities and improve the quality of life of residents.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the road project, which features reinforced concrete drains, kerbs and road markings, reflects the administration’s commitment to providing durable infrastructure across the state.

He noted that the road would improve connectivity within Ijebu-Ode and adjoining communities while stimulating economic activities in the area.

The Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described Governor Abiodun as a silent achiever whose developmental initiatives, including the Deep Sea Port and Dry Port projects, are transforming Ogun State’s economic landscape.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ogun State Elders Council, Chief Olusegun Okuboyejo, commended the governor for ensuring equitable distribution of development projects across the state and pledged the council’s continued support.

The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, said the area had witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development under the current administration, adding that the projects had significantly improved the local economy.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers present at the event, the Elese of Ilese, Oba Obayomi Olufemi, praised the governor for the positive transformation taking place across Ijebuland and urged him to sustain the momentum by initiating more people-oriented projects and completing ongoing projects.

Abiodun defends record on Dangote Refinery, reaffirms commitment to Ogun Deep Sea Port

Enugu State Government has announced the restriction of human and vehicular movement in the six Local Government Areas of Enugu North Senatorial District during Saturday’s by-election.

The directive is contained in a statement issued in Enugu by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, and made available to newsmen on Friday.

The LGAs involved are Igbo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani

According to the statement, the restriction will take effect from midnight (12am) to 6pm to ensure the peaceful, orderly and credible conduct of the by-election.

It added that INEC and security personnel, accredited election observers, media practitioners and other persons duly authorised to perform election duties were exempted from the restriction.

It further disclosed that security agencies had been directed to ensure strict compliance with the movement restriction.

It urged residents of the area to conduct themselves peacefully and exercise their civic responsibilities in accordance with electoral guidelines.

The statement also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to remain law-abiding before, during and after the election.

The government thanked the people for their cooperation and understanding and wished the people of Enugu North a peaceful and successful election.

Bye-Election: Enugu Govt orders movement restriction in 6 LGAs

Third-seeded American tennis player Jessica Pegula defeated compatriot Madison Keys 7-6, 7-6 to advance at the Berlin Tennis Open, 2026.

Pegula secured the quarterfinal victory on the grass courts of the Steffi Graf Stadium in a match that lasted one hour, 46 minutes, and 43 seconds. The victory followed Pegula’s previous round-of-16 win on June 17, 2026, where she defeated Czech player Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 45 minutes, marking her fifth consecutive victory over Siniakova.

In the other single tournament action on Friday, eighth seed Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic defeated Spain’s Paula Badosa in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-3 in just over one hour.

The WTA 500 tournament features a total prize purse of $1,206,446 and awards 500 world ranking points to the winner, with top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka leading the field before the tournament concludes on June 21, 2026.

The upcoming schedule for the grass-court event includes multiple third-round singles and doubles matches across the tournament grounds.

Pegula Overpowers Keys To Reach Berlin Quarter-Final is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsamiro is closing in on a permanent transfer to Serie B Pisa, DAILY POST reports.

The 21-year-old was loaned to Pisa by Serie A champions Inter Milan last summer.

The Tuscan club, according to reports,  have triggered the €7.5 million purchase option in Akinsamiro’s contract.

Pisa, are however still waiting for Inter Milan’s decision on their proposal.

The defensive midfielder impressed for Pisa last season despite the Black and Blues relegation to Serie B.

He recorded one assist in 24 league appearances for the club.

Transfer: Akinsamiro set to join Pisa on permanent deal 

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of slain bandit kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim Battujo to 40 years in prison each for aiding his terrorist activities, though both women will serve only 20 years following a concurrent sentence order by the court.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences on Friday after Halima Abdullahi, Battujo’s mother, and Safiya Salihu, his sister, entered guilty pleas to separate terrorism charges filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested both women in February 2026 during investigations into the support network of Battujo, who was killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Abdullahi was convicted on two counts: aiding and abetting Battujo by passing information to him through telephone conversations, and concealing information about his terrorist activities from security agencies. Both offences are punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The court sentenced her to 20 years on each count.

Salihu pleaded guilty to concealing information about firearms illegally acquired by her brother, which she reportedly observed during a visit to his forest camp. She was sentenced to 20 years on the count.

Following a plea by their lawyer, Dauda Hassan of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, who cited the women’s ages and their status as first-time offenders, Justice Yilwa ordered that all sentences run concurrently and take effect from the date of their arrest, meaning each convict will spend 20 years in prison.

The judge further directed that both women undergo rehabilitation upon completing their terms.

Three other counts on the charge sheet were struck out after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), withdrew them.

The withdrawn counts had alleged that the women received N490,300 from Battujo knowing it was proceeds of terrorism, and that they undertook a Hajj pilgrimage sponsored with funds linked to terrorist activities.

Battujo had been on the security watchlist for several violent crimes before troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team, neutralised him and more than 15 members of his criminal network in Kogi State.

Security authorities said the operation also thwarted a planned mass abduction of students sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in Iluke.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the slain kingpin had allegedly masterminded an attack on a school in Iluke Bunu in which three people were killed, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child, and that he had been coordinating plans to abduct students from schools across the state.

Following his killing, troops led by the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, stormed the forest where he was buried to exhume his body for forensic examination.

Court Jails Battujo’s Mother, Sister 40 Years For Aiding Terrorism is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ekiti State is entering the final stretch toward its governorship election scheduled for Saturday with political actors, electoral officials and security agencies completing last-minute arrangements across the 16 local government areas of the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already concluded the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, while ad hoc staff and electoral officers have undergone training designed to strengthen efficiency at polling units.

At the same time, security agencies have intensified deployments across strategic locations.

In Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the atmosphere reflects a mix of anticipation and caution. A visit to key locations, including the INEC headquarters, showed heightened security presence as officials sorted and prepared election materials for onward distribution to polling centres.

Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies have been stationed across the state to maintain order before, during and after the election.

Speaking ahead of the exercise, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, assured residents of adequate security coverage, noting that measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful environment for voters.

He warned against any attempt to disrupt the process, stressing that security operatives would respond decisively to electoral offences.

The police leadership also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring that eligible voters can exercise their civic rights without intimidation.

With campaigns concluded, political parties have shifted focus to voter mobilisation and election-day strategy. Party agents have been deployed across polling units and collation centres, where they are expected to monitor the conduct of the exercise and ensure transparency.

The election will feature candidates from 12 political parties cleared by INEC, with the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), among the leading contenders.

He is seeking a second term on the strength of what his administration describes as progress in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture and social welfare.

The Labour Party candidate, Professor Oyebanji Olajuyin, has also drawn attention, particularly among younger voters and professionals who see his candidacy as an alternative direction for the state.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) brings extensive political and administrative experience into the contest.

Other participating parties include the Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and others.

On the streets of Ado-Ekiti and surrounding communities, conversations about the election are increasingly shaped by voter sentiment, expectations and frustrations.

While many residents express optimism that the election will be peaceful, opinions vary on the competitiveness of the race.

A taxi driver, Adebayo Oni, described the contest as largely one-sided, arguing that the incumbent faces little real opposition.

“It’s a one-way election. Nobody is contesting against Oyebanji. No candidate is strong enough to remove him,” he said, though he added concerns about unresolved security challenges affecting families in parts of the state.

Another resident, Funmi, a food vendor, echoed concerns about the level of competition in the race, suggesting that opposition parties failed to present a united front.

“Only Oyebanji is contesting. Who else? Other people are not strong; they refused to come together,” she said.

Beyond political debates, civil society organisations and election observers have also arrived in the state, positioning themselves to monitor proceedings and provide independent assessments of the electoral process.

INEC, Security Agencies Complete Preparation Ahead Ekiti Governorship Election is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former member of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Chika Adamu, who represented the Shiroro/Rafi/Munya Federal Constituency of Niger State from 2015 to 2019, has alleged that the Nigerian political system is plagued by injustice and the mismanagement of public resources.

Speaking during an interview with DITV Kaduna on Thursday, the former lawmaker said his experience in politics convinced him that meaningful service to the people is difficult within the current system.

“I personally wrote a letter stating that I will not contest for any political office again. Even when I contested previously, it was not something I sought on my own; the people persuaded me to run, bought the form and cleared all financial requirements,” he said.

Adamu expressed disappointment with his time in the National Assembly, arguing that he was unable to make the impact he had hoped for in the lives of his constituents.

“I do not see any real benefit I brought to my people. When I got there, I discovered that unless you are willing to engage in injustice, it is difficult to survive in the system. I did not go there with the intention of being unjust,” he said.

The former legislator also lamented what he described as a decline in key sectors of national life, including security, electricity and education, while raising concerns over freedom of expression.

“Is the security situation today better than it was before? Is electricity better than it was before? Is the quality of education today better than it was before? Everything is moving backwards. People need to open their eyes and elect leaders who will do justice and serve them fairly,” Adamu stated.

In 2017, DAILY POST reported how Adamu, then a serving member, withdrew from the re-election race in a letter sent to the Niger State APC Chairman.

The letter reads: “In line with the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), that any person seeking to be appointed or elected into public office should be rejected, now that there is eroding public trust in legislators of the National Assembly, it is not worth the trouble to seek such office unless it is for my selfish and personal interest.”

His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over governance, accountability and the performance of elected officials in Nigeria.

‘Nigerian political system plagued by injustice’ – Ex-lawmaker Abubakar Chika Adamu

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, according to senior United States and Gulf diplomatic sources.

The truce, brokered through mediation efforts led by the United States and Qatar, is aimed at halting a recent escalation in hostilities that raised concerns over broader regional stability and ongoing diplomatic initiatives involving Iran.

Under the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire took effect at 4:00 p.m. local time. Israeli military officials said troops would remain in their current positions within a designated security zone in southern Lebanon and would respond to any attacks in violation of the truce.

The agreement follows a sharp escalation in fighting over the past 24 hours.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes targeted more than 80 locations across southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in at least 31 deaths.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, launched attacks in southern Lebanon that reportedly killed four Israeli soldiers, including a battalion commander.

The latest violence disrupted ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region, leading to the postponement of planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland after the Iranian delegation reportedly declined to travel while military operations in Lebanon were ongoing.

Officials involved in the mediation expressed hope that the ceasefire would create conditions for further diplomatic engagement and help prevent a wider regional confrontation.

Israel, Hezbollah Agree To Immediate Ceasefire In Lebanon is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kwara United defender Kabiru Mohammed has parted ways with the club following the expiration of her contract.

Mohammed’s departure put an end to his three- year stay with the Harmony Boys.

The experienced centre- will now look to Join another club ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

Mohammed’s leadership and experience were key during his time at Kwara United.

He played a crucial role in Kwara United’s relegation survival last season.

Mohammed was part of the Kwara United’s side that won the President Federation Cup last year.

NPFL: Mohammed departs Kwara United after contract expiration 

A Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu has sentenced a former Human Resources Manager of The Delborough Lagos, Victoria Island Lagos, Mrs Jovita Ibie, to six months imprisonment for stealing an official vehicle belonging to the company.

Chief Magistrate B.A. Sonuga delivered the judgment after finding Ibie guilty of fraudulently converting a Toyota Corolla assigned to her office during her employment to her personal use.

In his ruling delivered on 30th April 2026, the court, however, discharged and acquitted the defendant on three other counts bordering on conspiracy and threats to life, noting that the prosecution failed to adduce sufficient evidence to support those allegations.

According to the court, Ibie resigned from her position in November 2024 and was directed to return all company property in her possession. While she returned other items, including a laptop and identification materials, she failed to surrender the Toyota Corolla, insisting that the car was a gift to her by the management of the company.

The prosecution called four witnesses, including the hotel’s Chief Security Officer, operating officer, chief driver and the investigating police officer, who testified that the vehicle was an official car provided to aid her duties and not a personal gift.

During her defence, Ibie maintained that the hotel chairman had presented the vehicle to her in recognition of her dedication and hard work.

She told the court that she subsequently registered the car in her name and personally handled its maintenance.

Delivering the judgment, Sonuga held that the defendant failed to provide any documentary evidence proving ownership of the vehicle through a gift, noting that the car remained the property of the organisation.

The court further held that her refusal to return the vehicle after repeated demands and her failure to honour police invitations pointed to a dishonest intention punishable under Section 280 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.

The magistrate concluded that the prosecution had proved the offence of stealing beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Ibie on the count.

She was thereafter sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine.

“The Defendant (Jovita Ibie) is hereby discharged and acquitted on the offences 1, 2 and 4 while she is accordingly sentenced to six (6) months term of imprisonment without any option of fine in respect of count 3.

“I hold and so hold”, the Magistrate ruled.

Ex-HR Delborough manager Jovita Ibie jailed six months for stealing official car