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The Eastern Naval Command, ENC, of the Nigeria Navy has arrested an oil product tanker MT FILIA (IMO No. 8662684) with 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil valued at over N660 million.

The ENC Operations Officer, Commodore Abubakar Umar, who announced the arrest at a media briefing in Calabar on Tuesday, said the feat was achieved based on credible intelligence.

Umar said the vessel sailing under the flag of Sao Tomé and Principe with 12 crew members onboard, was arrested on July 23 within Nigeria waters.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the tanker vessel loitered within the vicinity of the offshore oil terminals located at Akwa Ibom for over seven days, waiting for an opportunity to gain access to some crude oil jackets.

According to him, the vessel subsequently proceeded to one of the oil jackets where it was engaged in the suspected illegal loading of crude oil.

“At about 04; 00hrs on July 23, MT FILIA departed the offshore oil terminal and proceeded seaward. Consequently, a navy patrol boat pursued and intercepted the vessel.

“On sighting the Nigerian navy ship, the crew began discharging the stolen crude into the sea, causing maritime pollution.

“Subsequent investigation reveals that the Captain of MT FILIA also admitted that the vessel loaded approximately 650 metric tonnes of crude oil at the terminal worth an estimated value of over N660 million.

“It is pertinent to state at this point that investigation is still ongoing to unravel further details of the dastardly act.”

Navy arrests vessel with 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude

Roberto Mancini has been appointed Italy manager for a second time – just a day after Andrea Pirlo ruled himself out of the running for the job and technical director Paolo Maldini resigned.

Gennaro Gattuso left his role as Italy boss in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup.

Pirlo looked set to take over but on Monday pulled out following controversy over his ties to a Russian betting company.

“I believed that the best person to become head coach was Roberto Mancini,” said Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago.

Claudio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2015-16, will replace Maldini as technical director.

Maldini, who was appointed to the role two weeks ago, and adviser Leonardo resigned following the decision not to appoint Pirlo.

Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were both approached by the FIGC about the Italy job before Pirlo.

Mancini, 61, previously managed Italy from 2018 until 2023 and won Euro 2020 – beating England in the final at Wembley.

He led the Azzurri to a world record 37-game unbeaten run, but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup – losing to North Macedonia in a play-off – and resigned in August 2023.

Another World Cup play-off failure for Italy earlier this year meant they were absent from this summer’s tournament and spelled the end of Gattuso’s tenure, with his contract terminated in April by mutual consent.

Despite their big stage successes, Italy have not featured at a World Cup finals since 2014.

Under-21 manager Silvio Baldini had taken over on a temporary basis following Gattuso’s departure.

Former Italy and Sampdoria midfielder Mancini led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012 and enjoyed success with Lazio and Inter Milan, winning the Coppa Italia with both and three Serie A titles with Inter.

He also spent time with Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg before taking on the Italy job in 2018.

After he departed from the Azzurri, he had a short spell with the Saudi Arabia national team before joining Qatari side Al Sadd.

Although they won the Qatar Stars League, they failed to reach the final four of the AFC Champions League Elite and lost in the Qatar Cup final. Mancini left his role with Al Sadd in June.

Italy start their Nations League campaign on 25 September at home to Belgium before travelling to face Turkey three days later.

Mancini Reappointed Italy Boss After Pirlo Controversy is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna has made an encouraging start to life at Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion after impressing during the club’s pre-season training camp in Spain.

The 19-year-old winger, who recently completed a move from Swedish club AIK, caught the attention of teammates and coaches by scoring two goals in just 20 seconds during a finishing drill, highlighting the quality that convinced Brighton to secure his services, Blueprint reports.

Yohanna was included in Brighton’s pre-season squad by head coach Fabian Hürzeler as the Seagulls continue preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Despite only recently joining the club, the Nigerian has quickly settled into training and shown no signs of struggling with the demands of his new environment.

A video shared on Brighton’s official social media platforms captured the youngster producing two quick-fire finishes during a shooting exercise, drawing applause from teammates and members of the coaching staff.

The display has further fuelled excitement over the winger’s potential as he begins his journey in English football.

Yohanna joined Brighton during the summer transfer window following his impressive development at Swedish side AIK, where he established himself as one of Nigeria’s promising young talents abroad.

The former Ikon Allah Academy player is highly regarded for his pace, creativity and ability to score goals from wide positions, with his left foot, close control and attacking instincts earning him a reputation as a player capable of both creating and finishing chances.

Those qualities were once again on display during Brighton’s training session in Spain.

Although Brighton are expected to integrate Yohanna gradually into the first-team setup, the club believes he possesses the talent and mentality required to succeed in the Premier League.

The coaching staff is expected to monitor his progress throughout pre-season before deciding the extent of his involvement during the upcoming campaign.

With intense competition for places in the squad, the pre-season programme provides the young Nigerian with an opportunity to impress Hürzeler and stake a claim for regular first-team involvement.

Yohanna’s move to Brighton represents another significant milestone for Nigerian football, as more young players continue to secure opportunities with top European clubs.

In recent years, Nigerian footballers have continued to make their mark across Europe’s leading leagues, with several emerging talents attracting attention through their performances for club and country.

The former AIK winger is regarded as one of the country’s brightest attacking prospects, and his early displays in Brighton colours have already generated optimism about his future at the club.

As Brighton intensify preparations for the new Premier League season, Yohanna will be hoping to build on his impressive start, continue adapting to English football and translate his performances on the training ground into competitive matches.

Should he maintain his current trajectory, the teenager could emerge as one of Brighton’s exciting young players to watch during the 2026/27 campaign.

Nigerian Teen Zadok Scores Twice In 20 Seconds For Brighton is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, has been found dead under unclear circumstances.

Chimaroke, a graduate of Civil Engineering and former President of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, was reportedly declared missing before his lifeless body was recovered in a body of water in Nembe community.

Sources familiar with the incident alleged that the 27-year-old corps member may have been attacked by unidentified assailants before his disappearance.

The Bayelsa State Police Command had earlier launched a search operation after receiving a report that the corps member was missing.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the case was reported to the police at about 8:40 p.m. on July 25, 2026, by fellow corps member Aribisola Bisi Isaac, who was accompanied by Adeola Marvelous.

Police sources disclosed that the Local Government Inspector informed the officers that Chimaroke, who was serving in Nembe Creek, was last seen at about 8:00 p.m. on July 24.

Attempts to reach him through his mobile phone lines reportedly proved unsuccessful, raising concerns among colleagues and prompting a search effort.

Following the report, police operatives were deployed to the creek community, located about 45 minutes by boat from the Nembe Divisional Headquarters, to commence a search and investigation into his disappearance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Bayelsa State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the recovery of the corps member’s body or provide details on the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

Tragedy as missing NYSC member’s body recovered in Bayelsa

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and counsel to human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday disagreed over the Attorney-General’s appearance in the ongoing alleged cyberbullying trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Lead defence counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), objected to what he described as the Attorney-General’s sudden entry into the proceedings without prior notice to either the court or the defence.

The matter, before Justice Umar Mohammed, had been slated for the appearance of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, who was subpoenaed as a defence witness.

However, Fagbemi informed the court that the prosecution had no proof that the subpoena had been served on the DSS Director-General.

When the court drew his attention to its records confirming that the subpoena had indeed been served, the Attorney-General, after examining the document, argued that no specific time had been indicated for Ajayi’s appearance. He also maintained that the DSS boss was summoned in his official capacity.

Responding to questions over his appearance in the case, Fagbemi said he was acting pursuant to Section 174(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Attorney-General to institute, take over or discontinue criminal proceedings.

Fusika, however, argued that although the Attorney-General possesses such constitutional powers, they must be exercised in the public interest, in the interest of justice and in a manner that does not amount to an abuse of court process.

He contended that Fagbemi was not part of the prosecution team when the trial commenced but entered the courtroom and immediately made applications on behalf of the subpoenaed DSS Director-General without filing any formal notice.

The senior lawyer further argued that the Attorney-General’s application to assume control of the prosecution denied the defence adequate opportunity to respond, especially after citing more than 20 judicial authorities in support of his position.

“How do you expect me to respond immediately to over 20 authorities cited from the Bar without prior notice?” Fusika asked the court.

He insisted that if the Attorney-General intended to take over the prosecution, the appropriate notices and supporting documents ought to have been filed before the application was made.
“The Attorney-General should file the appropriate notice and place the necessary information before the court.

In the absence of that, the application is procedurally defective,” he submitted.
Fusika also argued that any authority exercised by counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney-General must be backed by the appropriate legal process, warning that failure to follow established criminal procedure could set a dangerous precedent.

He urged the court to reject the application until due process had been complied with.

In his response, Fagbemi stated that lead prosecuting counsel, Kehinde Akinlolu, had been granted a fiat to prosecute the matter and that, as Attorney-General, he retained the constitutional authority to assume control of the case at any stage.

The defence, however, maintained that neither the court nor the defence had been served with any document showing that Akinlolu was prosecuting the case by virtue of such a fiat.

Fagbemi further argued that the subpoena ought to have been served personally on the DSS Director-General and maintained that no specific time had been fixed for his appearance.

He described the subpoena as an abuse of court process, noting that the document the defence intended to question Ajayi about had already been admitted in evidence as Exhibits D and DWC on July 22, 2026.

According to him, insisting on compelling the DSS Director-General to testify after the document had already been tendered served no legitimate purpose.
The Attorney-General added that Ajayi was being summoned solely in his official capacity regarding a document authored and signed by another prosecution witness, insisting that the subpoena was being used for an improper purpose.

He therefore urged the court to set aside the subpoena and direct the defence to proceed with its case.
Following consultations between both parties, the defence and the Attorney-General agreed that a representative of the DSS Director-General would appear before the court instead of Ajayi.

Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned the matter until August 3, 2026, for continuation of the defence.

AGF, Sowore’s Lawyer Clash Over Takeover Of Cyberbullying Trial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin has responded to a recent post by Priscilla Ojo, escalating her ongoing feud with the influencer and her mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

In a video circulating on social media, Anjorin made a series of allegations against the mother and daughter, insisting that any legal action they may pursue against her would not be successful.

The actress also accused Iyabo and Priscilla of being responsible for certain social media activities targeted at her.

 She further alleged that a photograph of her four-year-old daughter was shared alongside a court document online.

Anjorin claimed to possess “more than 500 pieces of evidence” against Iyabo and Priscilla, maintaining that she would continue to speak publicly about the issues between them.

The latest remarks by Lizzy has added to the long-running public dispute between Anjorin and Iyabo Ojo, which has generated widespread reactions across social media platforms.

@sweet human on Facebook said many are mad few are roaming 

@oluchukwu madu said ” e be like Ijabo and Priscilla chop this woman biscuit”

I have evidence- Lizzy Anjorin fires back at Priscilla Ojo, over feud with Iyabo Ojo

S&P Global is set to strengthen its footprint in Africa after reaching an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Agusto & Co., a prominent African credit rating agency.

The proposed transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approvals, was announced on Tuesday in a joint statement by the two companies.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Under the agreement, S&P Global will partner with Agusto & Co., a leading African credit rating agency with operations across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda.

The partnership is expected to combine S&P Global’s global analytical expertise with Agusto & Co.’s extensive regional market knowledge to enhance credit transparency, deepen investor confidence and accelerate the development of domestic credit markets across Africa.

The acquisition represents one of the most significant investments by a global credit ratings provider in Africa’s domestic ratings industry and underscores the growing strategic importance of African financial markets to international investors.

According to the companies, the investment aligns with S&P Global Ratings’ long-term growth strategy for Africa by expanding its market intelligence capabilities and strengthening its ability to serve issuers, investors and other market participants across the continent.

President of S&P Global Ratings, Yann Le Pallec, described the transaction as a demonstration of the company’s enduring commitment to Africa’s evolving financial markets.

“We are delighted to partner with Agusto & Co. to strengthen our domestic ratings presence across Africa,” Le Pallec said.

He noted that Africa presents significant long-term growth opportunities and said the combination of S&P Global’s global expertise with Agusto & Co.’s deep understanding of local markets would promote more informed credit analysis, strengthen market dialogue and enhance investor confidence both within Africa and internationally.

Le Pallec added that improving transparency and expanding access to reliable credit assessments would contribute to stronger and more resilient capital markets across the region.

Commenting on the transaction, Managing Director of Agusto & Co., Yinka Adelekan, described the partnership as a transformational milestone not only for the company but also for Africa’s broader financial ecosystem.

According to him, the agreement fulfills the long-held vision of the company’s late founder to establish a strategic affiliation with a leading global credit rating agency.

Adelekan said Agusto & Co. has spent more than three decades building a trusted credit rating institution that supports businesses, governments and investors across Africa.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would unlock new opportunities for issuers and investors while contributing to the development of transparent, resilient and efficient credit markets throughout the continent.

Despite the acquisition, Agusto & Co. will continue to operate as an independent domestic ratings agency.

The company will retain responsibility for issuing its own credit ratings and applying its proprietary rating methodologies in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements in the countries where it operates.

Both organisations said the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from relevant regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where Agusto & Co. conducts business.

The companies expect the acquisition to be completed during the second half of 2026 once all required approvals have been secured.

S&P Global also stated that the acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on the financial performance of either S&P Global or S&P Global Ratings.

Market analysts view the transaction as a significant vote of confidence in Africa’s expanding capital markets, with the partnership expected to enhance the quality of domestic credit assessments, broaden access to international best practices and support increased investment across the continent.

The transaction is expected to enhance the global ratings firm’s presence in the continent’s domestic credit ratings market while supporting the continued development of Africa’s capital markets.

S&P Global Seals Deal For Majority Stake In Agusto & Co. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian singer, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has confirmed plans to marry his partner, Davita…

The post Zlatan Ibile announces wedding plans with fiancée, Davita Lamai appeared first on Tribune Online.

Benin Republic goalkeeper, Obassa Adebiyi, is nearing a move to Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Kano Pillars.

Obassa is already training with Sai Masu Gida amid speculation over his future.

The shot stopper is determined to remain in the NPFL following Remo Stars’ relegation last season.

Obassa is hoping to reunite with head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede at Kano Pillars.

He won the NPFL title with Remo Stars during 2025-26 season.

Kano Pillars are expected to make a final decision on the goalkeeper’s signing before the start of the 2026-27 season.

NPFL: Kano Pillars set to sign goalkeeper Obassa from Remo Stars

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria through the integration of renewable energy solutions and telecommunications infrastructure.

The partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium, Mbora, Abuja, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The workshop, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” brought together senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other industry stakeholders to explore practical approaches to expanding connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards inclusive digital connectivity and energy access.

“Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy,” he said.

He noted that reliable electricity and digital connectivity are mutually reinforcing foundations of an inclusive and productive economy, stressing that communities without stable power struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without connectivity are unable to fully benefit from electrification.

Oshadami explained that the partnership establishes a practical framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure, and renewable energy solutions. He disclosed that the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on existing and planned Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) deployments, enabling both institutions to jointly identify connectivity and energy gaps for more effective planning and implementation.

He further stated that the collaboration would explore opportunities to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects, while also encouraging the co-location of telecom infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets where technically feasible. According to him the initiative will reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.im, the initiative will reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, observed that Nigeria’s digital economy depends on reliable energy infrastructure. He noted that renewable energy mini grids provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecom sites and that the partnership would create commercially viable opportunities for telecom operators and renewable energy developers alike.

“Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions. Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls and the reach of both extends,” he said.

The workshop featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies, alongside panel discussions on financing models, policy and regulatory issues, and infrastructure planning. Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond broad expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and regulatory measures capable of translating the initiative into sustainable, large-scale projects.

The MoU represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the NCC and the REA towards achieving the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development objectives. Through the partnership, both agencies aim to improve infrastructure planning, expand broadband connectivity, promote renewable energy adoption in telecommunications networks and deliver resilient, scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure that will drive socio-economic development across Nigeria.

NCC, REA sign MoU to drive digital infrastructure expansion through renewable energy