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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced two women arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for their involvement in terrorism-related activities to 40 years in prison.

The convicted women, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister, respectively, of terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was eliminated by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences after both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4 and 5 of the five-count terrorism-related charge brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Both women escaped conviction on Counts 1 and 3, which bordered on receiving N490,300 from Battujo while being fully aware it was proceeds of terrorism, as well as receiving sponsorship for a holy pilgrimage funded with proceeds of terrorism.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, urged the court to strike out both counts but convict them on the others.

According to Count 2, both women “aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit kingpin, and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

In addition to pleading guilty to Count 2, Battujo’s mother pleaded guilty to Count 5, which bordered on concealing information about the terrorism-related activities of her son.

On her part, the sister of the late terrorist kingpin, in addition to pleading guilty to Count 2, also pleaded guilty to Count 4, which bordered on concealing information that her brother had illegally acquired firearms, which she saw when she visited his forest camp.

While the punishment for each count is 20 years, Justice Yilwa ordered that the sentences run concurrently, after which the convicts will undergo rehabilitation.

Court sentences mother, sister of late terrorist kingpin Battujo to 40 years in prison

The Police have announced restrictions on inter-state and intra-state vehicular movement across Ekiti State on Saturday due to the governorship election in the state.

The Ekiti State Police Command announced that the restriction takes effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day and shall affect all roads within the state and inter-state highways.

“This standard measure,” the police said, “is part of the comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a violence-free election.”

The Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, stated that students and candidates taking national standardised examinations and assessments are not affected and should proceed to their centres accordingly.

“This vehicular movement restriction is expected to prevent the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process,” Abutu said.

He added, “The restriction applies to all forms of motorised transportation, including private cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.

“All intending inter-state travellers planning to travel through any part of Ekiti State are advised to take alternative routes during the stated period.

“However, persons on essential duties, such as designated INEC staff and ad hoc staff, accredited journalists, local and foreign election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and essential service providers, are exempted and allowed to use the roads accordingly. Such persons must carry valid identification and clearance tags,” he added.

He explained that, “Medical emergency movements are also allowed during this stated period.

“The movement of VIPs with armed escorts or security aides to polling units and collation centres is strictly discouraged and will not be allowed.

“Quasi-security groups, vigilantes and volunteer groups are strictly prohibited from rendering any form of security services at any polling unit or collation centre throughout the election period.

“Due to safety reasons, this notice also serves as a binding advisory for construction companies to pause all forms of road construction during the stated period.

“Only officers and personnel of security agencies that are members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) are permitted to provide security in and around all designated election facilities.”

The Command urged residents to comply with this measure, designed to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for voters to freely exercise their right to vote.

It further said the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group that attempts to violate the order or undermine the peace of the state.

For his part, the Commissioner of Police for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, Dr Abayomi Shogunle, urged registered voters “to come out and vote, remain law-abiding, and cooperate with security personnel who have been adequately deployed across the state to maintain law and order.”

Shogunle assured all residents and stakeholders of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property before, during and after the election.

The Police called on residents to report any suspicious movement or security concerns to the nearest police station or security agency.

Police Announce Movement Restrictions Ahead Of Ekiti Poll is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran, has said sickle cell disease remains a major health challenge in the state, especially among children.

He made this known on Friday while speaking to mark the global awareness day for sickle cell disease, themed Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.

He stressed the need for increased public awareness and early diagnosis.

“Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects many people in our society. It is associated with painful crises, infections, stroke, organ damage, disability, and even early death,” he said.

The commissioner described the situation in Kano as alarming, noting that the prevalence of the disease remains high across different age groups.

“In Kano, the prevalence is still high. Among children under one year, it is about 1.5 per cent, while between ages one to five, it can be as high as 35 per cent. This is very serious,” he said.

He explained that the state government has introduced several measures to reduce the burden of the disease and improve the lives of patients.

According to him, a new multidisciplinary sickle cell centre has been established and is ready for commissioning by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“We have just completed the establishment of a sickle cell centre, fully equipped and ready. It will be commissioned any moment from now,” he said.

Labaran added that the government has also trained health workers to improve care for patients.

“Last year alone, we trained about 120 healthcare workers to strengthen the management of sickle cell disease,” he said.

He said over 10,000 patients have already been enrolled in a care programme designed to support vulnerable people living with the condition.

“We have enrolled 10,647 patients into care, providing them with free health services. This shows our commitment to ensuring that no patient is left behind,” he said.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of genotype testing, especially before marriage, to help prevent the disease.

“When two carriers marry, there is a high chance of having a child with sickle cell. That is why premarital screening is very important,” he explained.

He also called for sustained public awareness, noting that proper information can help reduce new cases.

“If people are well informed, they can make better decisions and help prevent the spread of the disease,” he said.

Labaran further assured that the government will continue to provide essential drugs and improve referral systems to ensure patients receive proper care, especially in rural areas.

Sickle Cell disease remains major health challenge in Kano — Commissioner

El-Kanemi Warriors captain, Zayyad Musa, has praised Katsina fans after his side booked a place in the 2026 President Federation Cup final.

The Borno Army edged out Wikki Tourists 3-1 in the semi-final at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina on Wednesday.

Musa insisted that that the home crowd played a key role in his side’s victory.

“We played as if we were in Maiduguri,” Musa stated after the game.

“The atmosphere was so electric, and we are truly delighted with what the people of Katsina did for us.”

El-Kanemi Warriors will lock horns with Ikorodu City in the final of the President Federation Cup on Saturday, 11 July.

President Federation Cup: Musa thankful after El-kanemi’s win over Wikki Tourists

All On, an impact investing company focused on expanding access to renewable energy solutions in Nigeria, has announced a USD1 million investment in Eja-Ice Nigeria Limited, a provider of solar-powered refrigeration and cold chain infrastructure.

The investment will support Eja-Ice’s manufacturing and operational scale-up as the company enters its next phase of growth. It is expected to enable the expansion of its cold-chain solutions and improve access to reliable cooling services for households, small businesses, and institutions operating in off-grid and weak-grid environments.

Access to dependable cold storage remains a significant constraint across Nigeria, particularly in coastal and rural communities where limited energy infrastructure contributes to post-harvest losses and income instability for small-scale agro-producers.

By delivering energy-efficient refrigeration systems, Eja-Ice is helping to address these challenges while supporting the preservation of perishable goods and strengthening local value chains.

Commenting on the investment, Caroline Eboumbou, CEO, All On, said:

“All On’s investment in Eja-Ice reflects our approach of supporting solutions that improve energy access while enhancing livelihoods, reducing costs, and enabling businesses to grow. Strengthening cold-chain infrastructure is an important step towards building more resilient local economies and expanding opportunities in underserved markets.”

Eja-Ice’s integrated cold-chain model allows for greater control over product design, operational efficiency, and service delivery, ensuring that its solutions are tailored to the needs of underserved markets. The company’s systems are already supporting micro enterprises, cooperatives, and community-level infrastructure, particularly in areas where reliable electricity remains limited.

Yusuf Bilesanmi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eja-Ice Nigeria Limited, added: “This capital raise is a huge step forward in our vision to power homes and businesses with products designed, assembled, and optimized right here on the continent. It’s not just about access to electricity—it’s about dignity, productivity, and opportunity for the over 600 million people across sub-Saharan Africa who are still off-grid.”

Through this investment, All On continues to advance its mission of closing Nigeria’s energy access gap by supporting the renewable energy ecosystem, and businesses that deliver sustainable, market-driven solutions.

About All On:

All On Partnerships for Energy Access (All On), an independent impact investing company, was seeded by Shell to catalyze the growth of Nigeria’s off-grid energy market to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for low-income households and small businesses.

All On provides debt and equity funding, as well as non-financial support, to Nigerian energy companies that align with its mission of closing Nigeria’s access-to-energy gap through renewable energy solutions. Visit https://www.all-on.com/ to learn more. For media enquiries, contact communications@all-on.com

About Eja-Ice

Eja-Ice Nigeria Limited is a manufacturing company providing solar-powered cold storage and ice solutions to support small-scale fishers, traders, and businesses handling perishable goods. Its solutions are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, improve incomes, and strengthen food security in underserved and off-grid communities.

For more information, visit www.ejaice.com

All On Invests $1m in Eja-Ice Nigeria Limited to Strengthen Cold-Chain Infrastructure in Off-Grid Markets

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has dismissed reports of the alleged suspension of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the move as invalid and lacking institutional or communal legitimacy.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also called for restraint and dialogue to prevent the ongoing leadership dispute within IPOB from undermining peace in the South-East.

In a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze said it had taken note of reports claiming that Kanu had been suspended from his leadership position within IPOB.

The organisation said it had reviewed the matter and concluded that the purported suspension could not alter Kanu’s recognised status.

Kanu had a few days ago restructured IPOB by removing Chukwukadibia Edoziem as Head of Directorate of State.

The restructuring took a different dimension when Edoziem announced the suspension of Kanu who’s serving life in Sokoto prison.

IPOB however doubled down on its position insisting on Friday that Kanu remains the supreme leader.

Reacting to the development, Ohanaeze said, “The alleged suspension of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not recognized, not validated, and holds no institutional or communal legitimacy within its purview.”

It added, “The claims attributed to certain individuals or aggrieved members, including Chika Edozien and associates, are regarded as unofficial and incapable of altering established recognitions or ongoing engagements.

“Accordingly, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a central and widely acknowledged leadership figure associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra.”

Ohanaeze expressed concern that internal disagreements within IPOB could threaten the relative peace that has returned to the South-East in recent months.

According to the organisation, the region has experienced renewed agricultural activities, the revival of cultural festivals, increased commercial engagements and growing investor confidence, gains it described as fragile.

“These gains remain delicate and must not be undermined by avoidable internal disputes or inflammatory narratives,” it stated.

The group urged all parties involved in the leadership dispute to embrace peaceful dialogue rather than public confrontation.

“Dialogue remains the most viable and sustainable pathway to conflict resolution. Internal disputes must not be allowed to escalate into public tension or communal insecurity.

“All grievances should be addressed through structured engagement and peaceful reconciliation mechanisms,” the statement added.

Ohanaeze also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering unity among Igbo stakeholders and supporting efforts toward the release of detained pro-Biafra figures, including Kanu.

The organisation warned that unresolved divisions could undermine those efforts, stressing that it would not support any action capable of reigniting insecurity in the South-East.

Ohanaeze Rejects Alleged Kanu Suspension, Urges Peace Amid IPOB Dispute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Infinix HOT 70 offers an interesting glimpse into how smartphone brands are responding to changing consumer expectations. Rather than positioning innovation solely around performance metrics, the HOT 70 places greater emphasis on design, personalization, self-expression, and lifestyle. In doing so, it reflects a broader shift in the role smartphones play in people’s identity.

Today’s smartphones are no longer simply communication devices. They have become constant companions, appearing in everything from social media content and work meetings to travel experiences and everyday interactions. They are among the most visible personal items people own, sitting alongside fashion, music, and digital content as tools through which individuals express their identities.

This is particularly true for younger consumers, who increasingly view technology as an extension of their personality rather than merely a functional tool. For this generation, the question is no longer just what a smartphone can do, but what it says about the person carrying it.

It is against this backdrop that the HOT 70 enters the market.

One of the most talked-about features of the device is the Thermo Orange edition, which uses temperature-responsive technology to create a colour-changing effect on the rear panel. As temperatures fluctuate, the device transitions between different shades of orange, creating a smartphone that appears to evolve with its environment. While the feature is visually striking, its significance goes beyond aesthetics. It represents an attempt to make the smartphone experience more interactive, personal, and expressive.

The inclusion of DIY customization capabilities is genius and makes the device more personal than functional alone. Users can create semi-permanent patterns and designs on the device, transforming what is typically a mass-produced product into something that feels uniquely their own. In a category where many devices look remarkably similar, such features acknowledge a growing consumer desire for personalization and individuality.

The broader design philosophy behind the HOT 70 is equally noteworthy. Through its Dynamic Shine Design approach, Infinix has introduced a range of colourways and textures that interact with light and movement in different ways. Variants such as Quiet Violet and Green Texture are designed not only to look attractive but to create distinct visual experiences. Rather than treating colour as a secondary design consideration, the series places it at the centre of the product story.

This reflects a wider trend that extends beyond smartphones. Across industries, from fashion and automotive design to consumer electronics, brands are increasingly recognizing that consumers seek products that resonate with their lifestyles and personal identities. Products are expected not only to perform well but also to create emotional connections.

The HOT 70 suggests that smartphones are becoming part of this movement. As the boundaries between technology, fashion, and culture continue to blur, devices are increasingly being designed as lifestyle products rather than purely technical instruments.

At the same time, functionality remains important. Consumers still expect their smartphones to deliver strong performance, reliability, and convenience. Infinix appears to recognize this balance by combining its design-focused approach with practical features such as AI-powered productivity tools, a dedicated One-Tap AI Button, a 50MP camera system, a 6000mAh battery, Military-Grade durability, and long-term software support.

What is interesting, however, is that these features are no longer presented as the sole reason to buy a smartphone. Instead, they exist alongside a more personalised narrative about self-expression, creativity, and individuality.

The Infinix HOT 70 is introducing a colour-changing smartphone and pointing towards a future where devices are designed to be more personal, more expressive, and more reflective of the people who use them.

In that sense, the future of smartphones may not be defined solely by what happens inside the device. It may also be shaped by how well that device helps people tell their own stories.

The Infinix HOT 70 is available nationwide in Thermo Orange, Quiet Violet, Green Texture, Night Pulse, Silver Dancer, and Dive Blue. The device is priced at ₦189,900 for the 128GB variant and ₦299,900 for the 256GB variant.

For more information about Infinix Nigeria’s products, please visit the website and follow @InfinixNigeria on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).​

What the Infinix HOT 70 says about the future of smartphones

The Nigerian Army has reacted to messages circulating on some social media platforms, directing residents of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State to remain indoors.

The messages had also imposed  restrictions on movement and commercial activities in the area on Friday, 19 June 2026.

But reacting to the messages, the Nigerian Army described them as false and urged residents of Ohafia to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.

The Nigerian Army spoke in a statement signed by Captain Mazinho Attah, the  Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Abia State.

The Nigerian Army said residents of the town were reacting to a rumour that a truck load of persons believed to be Fulani herdsmen were seen asking directions to Ohafia Local Government Area but maintained that such reports were false and never reported to any military formation or agency.

The Army further said that claims that some abducted girls were rescued by   Ohafia youths was not reported to any security agency.

“Members of the public are further advised to disregard unverified messages capable of causing unnecessary panic and encouraged to obtain information only from official and credible sources.

“Commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko assures the good people of Ohafia that adequate measures have been taken in collaboration with other security agencies, to maintain peace and ensure the protection of lives and property,” the Nigerian Army said.

Nigerian Army dismisses reports of movement restriction in Ohafia

A former Kano anti-corruption agency boss, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has listed billions of naira allegedly diverted by former governor of the state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from the state treasury.

Barrister Muhyi recently appeared in a video on social media, narrating how the former governor diverted the funds into a personal account without due process.

When reached to confirm the source of the video, Muhyi told our reporter he released the video.

He said, “Kwankwaso, in December 2023, collected N1 billion to build his house.”

He, however, failed to clarify whether the house in question is the one Kwankwaso currently occupies.

He went further to allege that the same Kwankwaso collected N525 million for the construction of his office in the same month and also allegedly took N1.240 billion and another N400,000 to buy official cars.

“In June 2024, Kwankwaso collected N100,800,000 for his medications and also collected N510,213,000 for his holidays,” he added.

The former anti-graft boss, who looked disturbed while explaining how Kwankwaso allegedly siphoned Kano’s treasury for his personal gain, added that there is more for him to open up against the former governor.

He concluded by challenging Kwankwaso to seek legal redress against him to justify his innocence.

“I challenge you to take me to court if what I said you have siphoned from Kano’s treasury is not true.”

When DAILY POST contacted the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Habibu Muhammad Sale Mailemo, he confirmed knowledge of the matter, stating that they are studying the allegations by the former anti-corruption chairman.

“We are studying the allegations, and we will respond appropriately, and it may include taking legal action against Barrister Muhyi,” he said.

Kwankwaso diverted billions into private account to build personal house, others – Muhyi alleges 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted expired pharmaceutical products worth over ₦12.7 billion and a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) weighing about 1.8 tonnes, in separate intelligence-led operations carried out in Lagos.

The Command said the illegal goods were stopped from entering the Nigerian market through coordinated efforts with sister security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and other regulatory bodies.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC, Isah Sulaiman.

The statement explained that the seizures were achieved through credible intelligence and improved risk profiling systems.

According to him, the operations were carefully planned and executed based on intelligence sharing and collaboration with relevant agencies.

In one of the major seizures, officers of the Command intercepted a 40-foot container with number CAAU7569127. The container was found to be loaded with a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, also known as “Canadian Loud”.

The Command disclosed that 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance were recovered from the container. Each sachet weighed 500 grams, bringing the total estimated weight to about 1,819 kilograms, which is approximately 1.81 tonnes.

Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa. The drugs were hidden inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, as well as in bags and drums packed within the container.

In another operation, the Command also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with expired pharmaceutical products. The items were allegedly meant for illegal relabelling and reintroduction into the Nigerian market.

The Command said the combined Duty Paid Value, DPV, of the expired drugs stands at ₦12,784,479,341.72. It described the attempted importation as economic sabotage and a serious threat to public health.

Speaking on the seizures, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba issued a strong warning to those involved in smuggling activities, urging them to desist from such crimes.

“Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress.

“We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should desist immediately, because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising,” the statement quoted him as saying.  

Oshoba added that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas are under constant monitoring, noting that enforcement operations will remain intelligence-driven while still ensuring that legitimate trade is not affected.

Customs intercepts N12.7bn expired drugs, 1.8 tonnes of cannabis in Lagos