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The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, says it has uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated examination malpractice syndicate during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State.

The police said the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into attempts by criminal elements to compromise the integrity of the examination through technology-assisted fraud and unauthorized remote access to examination systems.

Addressing the press on Friday at the Police Headquarters, the Police Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said preliminary investigations revealed that during the examination, unauthorized remote access was illegally gained into candidates’ computer systems while the exercise was ongoing.

The statement said that, acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic leads, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out coordinated operations which led to the arrest of three suspects directly linked to the criminal activity.

It said the suspects are currently in police custody assisting ongoing investigations.

The NPF said investigations have also uncovered the involvement of additional examination centres suspected to have engaged in similar illegal activities.

Consequently, the police said JAMB has taken administrative measures, including the withdrawal of results from affected centres pending the conclusion of investigations.

It said candidates affected by the development will be rescheduled for the mop-up examination in line with established procedures.

The Force warned all candidates, examination centre operators and criminal collaborators to desist from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, cyber-assisted fraud or unauthorized system intrusion.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to identifying, dismantling and prosecuting criminal networks seeking to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system.

JAMB: Nigeria Police bust sophisticated UTME exam malpractice syndicate

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Screening Committee for governors seeking re-election in 2027 has cleared 11 governors.

The screening is coming ahead of the party’s primary elections scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 21.

The committee, chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, will continue the exercise on Saturday.

Here is the full list of governors screened so far:

1. Gov. Abba Yusuf – Kano State
2. Gov. Inuwa Yahaya – Gombe State
3. Gov. Nasir Idris – Kebbi State
4. Gov. Caleb Muftwang – Plateau State
5. Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia – Benue State
6. Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru – Ebonyi State
7. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State
8. Gov. Umar Bago – Niger State
9. Gov. Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State
10. Sen. Bassey Otu – Cross River State
11. Gov. Ahmed Aliyu – Sokoto State

2027: APC screens Muftwang, 10 other governors [FULL LIST]

Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has successfully scaled the screening process of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship primaries.

Alia was officially certified to contest the APC governorship primary after the screening exercise held on Friday at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge, venue designated for the screening of incumbent governors seeking re-election.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula.

The screening committee was chaired by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe.

Governor Alia’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms were procured by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Benue Chapter, and the Benue State Motorcycle Association, BEMOA.

Leaders of the two groups said their decision was based on what they described as the governor’s human-centred leadership style and the “massive turnaround” recorded in the state since he assumed office.

Political observers and stakeholders within the APC described the governor’s clearance as a significant boost to his political standing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Alia, who came to office in 2023 on the platform of the APC, has consistently highlighted infrastructural development, security, civil service reforms and social welfare as key priorities of his administration.

His successful screening is also seen as the beginning of intensified political activities within the APC as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.

Benue: Gov Alia cleared to contest 2027 governorship election under APC

Talismanic Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has won the Football Writers’ Association’s men’s Footballer of the Year award.

The playmaker has scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this season.

The visionary midfielder finished with 45% of the votes from the FWA’s 900-plus members.

He claimed 28 more votes than Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice in second, while Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was third.

Called captain fantastic, the Portugal creator-in-chief has played a key role in United’s upturn in form under interim boss Michael Carrick.

United are set to finish the season without a trophy for the second season in a row, but they are on course to finish third in the Premier League and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

He is the first United player to win the FWA men’s award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

The 31-year-old joined United from Portuguese club Sporting in January 2020 for £67.7m and clocked up his 300th appearance for the club earlier this season.

An impressive 2025-26 campaign has come after his future at Old Trafford had appeared uncertain.

He almost left at the end of last season, with club officials telling the midfielder they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

He however rejected the offer and subsequently dismissed interest from other teams in Europe to remain with the red devils.

Fernandes’ contract, which expires in 2027, reportedly has the option of an additional year.

United may be tempted to offer the player an extension even though co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to drive down wage costs.

The player said in October he will not discuss his future with anyone until after the upcoming World Cup.

Fernandes Wins Football Writers’ Men’s Player Award is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Army said its troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, while on an intelligence-led patrol mission to Imezi Owa community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on May 6, 2026, foiled an attack by suspected terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Eastern Security Network, ESN.

It said the patrol was a follow-up to the tracking of terrorist collaborators in the community.

A statement signed by Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, said that while troops were advancing on foot into the community, they came under attack from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel.

It said that despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area, while the injured personnel were promptly evacuated.

“The wounded personnel are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility,” the statement said.

The statement added that “during the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated, triggering a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout.”

It said that “subsequent searches around the general area uncovered more IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine used for ritual activities.

“The shrine was thoroughly combed and destroyed to prevent its continued use for criminal activities and to safeguard community members.

“One collaborator was apprehended during the operation around the general area. The arrested suspect and recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Police, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.”

The army reassured the general public that ongoing operations are being conducted with utmost professionalism and a firm commitment to protecting lives and property.

It urged law-abiding residents of Imezi Owa community and its environs to remain calm, desist from harbouring criminal elements and cooperate with security agencies.

Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, warned members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN and their sympathisers to desist from illegal activities or face the full consequences of their actions.

It said security forces remain resolute in their determination to restore peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of action.

Nigerian army foils ESN attack in Enugu

The Finance Committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday conducted a public hearing on a proposed bill aimed at harmonising taxes and stopping the collection of levies by unions and other unauthorised bodies across Lagos State.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for a Law to Enact the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, to Provide for the Collection of Taxes and Levies by the State and its Local Government Councils and for Related Matters,” seeks to streamline revenue collection within the state.

Under the bill, only recognised tax authorities would be permitted to assess or collect taxes and levies on behalf of the state government or local councils.

The legislation also prohibits individuals, unions, associations or groups from setting up roadblocks for the collection of taxes, levies or membership dues anywhere in the state.

“The relevant tax authority shall do all such things as may be necessary and expedient for the assessment and collection of taxes and levies, including the deployment of technology for assessment, collection, and other activities related to tax administration,” the bill stated.

The proposal further provides that no state agency or local government council can authorise the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service to collect taxes or levies on its behalf without clearly defined terms and conditions.

It also grants residents the right to challenge unlawful taxes or levies in court against any collector or government authority involved.

According to the bill, any person or group found erecting roadblocks for the purpose of collecting taxes, levies, fees or union dues would face a penalty of N5 million, a three-year jail term, or both upon conviction.

The legislation also seeks to harmonise daily ticketing and levy collections such as market fees, abattoir charges, transport tickets, animal trade levies and similar payments, with rates to be determined by the State Joint Revenue Committee where necessary.

If passed into law, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service would serve as the central collecting agency, while revenue generated would be shared between the state government and local councils.

Speaking during the hearing, Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, described the exercise as part of the Assembly’s commitment to participatory governance.

According to him, effective lawmaking must be inclusive and reflect the interests of the people.

“This is why public hearings remain an integral and indispensable part of our legislative process.

“We do not legislate in isolation. Governance becomes more effective when citizens are given the opportunity to contribute directly to policies and laws that affect their daily lives,” he said.

Obasa stated that the proposed law was necessary to address issues surrounding multiple taxation and revenue administration in the state.

“One of the major objectives of this bill is to harmonise taxes and levies in order to eliminate duplication, confusion, and multiple taxation, which have over the years become major concerns for residents, businesses, and investors in Lagos State,” he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Femi Saheed, described the bill as crucial to governance, business operations and revenue generation.

He noted that the legislation aligns with recent tax reforms passed by the National Assembly and is designed to create sustainable revenue opportunities for the state.

Also speaking, the Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, said the bill would strengthen the state’s revenue base and improve service delivery.

Stakeholders present at the hearing, including Ayodele Subair, commended the Assembly for initiating the process and pledged support for policies aimed at improving the business environment and public administration in the state.

Lagos Assembly moves to end illegal tax, levy collections

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Monitoring Unit to investigate a petition seeking a probe into allegations against two senior police officers over the alleged killing of missing activist and blogger, Abubakar Idris.

The directive was contained in an acknowledgment letter issued by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja and dated May 8, 2026.

The letter, referenced CZ:7050/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.201/18, was addressed to Kano-based law firm A.A. Hikima & Co.

Signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, CP Lateef Adio Ahmed, the letter confirmed that the police leadership had received a petition demanding “an immediate, independent and transparent investigation” into allegations involving CSP Hussaini Gimba and CSP Hassan Gimba.

“I write to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Monitoring Unit, to attend to your request,” the letter stated.

The petition was submitted by Kano lawyer, Abba A. Hikima, following allegations reportedly made by Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.

According to the petition, Kamarawa alleged that the two officers threatened to kill him “as they killed Dadiyata and Saminu S/Fada Gusau amongst others in my presence at Operations Yaki Kaduna.”

Hikima argued that the allegations were too weighty to be ignored, especially given the unresolved disappearance of Dadiyata since August 2019.

Dadiyata, a lecturer and outspoken social media commentator, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Kaduna State by unidentified persons, and his whereabouts have remained unknown for nearly seven years.

His disappearance has continued to attract widespread concern from civil society groups, activists and human rights organisations, many of which have repeatedly called for an independent investigation into the case.

In the petition to the IGP, Hikima maintained that an independent probe would either clear the accused officers if the allegations were false or ensure justice if proven true.

The latest directive from the police hierarchy is being viewed as the first formal indication that the allegations could now face official scrutiny by the Nigeria Police Force.

However, the police did not state when the investigation would commence or whether the officers named in the petition would be invited for questioning.

IGP Moves To Investigate Two Officers In Dadiyata Case is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has received his Labour Party nomination form free of charge from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

This was announced in a statement on Friday by Ken Eluma Asogwa, the National Publicity Secretary of the party.

Leading other members of the NWC to the Abia State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, where the brief presentation ceremony took place, was the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, who spoke on behalf of the delegation.

Senator Usman commended Governor Otti for serving as the poster boy of the Labour Party and for faithfully implementing the party’s ideals of Equal Opportunities and Social Justice in the governance of Abia State. She stated that the nomination forms were presented to him free of charge in recognition of his outstanding performance in office and as an encouragement for him to continue delivering quality governance to the people of the state.

In his remarks, the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Obioma Iheanacho, thanked Governor Otti for his steadfast faith in and commitment to the Labour Party, even at a time when the party was faced with internal challenges and many others had abandoned it for different political platforms. He praised the governor’s consistency, both in politics and governance.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the party’s NWC for the honour done to him, assuring them that he did not take the gesture lightly. He pledged not to disappoint the party and promised to continue supporting it in every possible way.

The governor also commended Senator Nenadi Usman for her leadership in steering the party out of the protracted crisis that had hitherto plagued it. He further expressed confidence that the coast was now clear for the Labour Party to proceed into the next general elections, as all legal impediments that confronted the party had been effectively and exhaustively resolved, with no subsisting litigation anywhere against the party.

Senator Usman was accompanied by the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Obioma Iheanacho; National Organising Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah; National Woman Leader, Hilda Dokubo; and the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa.

Also present at the ceremony were the immediate past National Secretary of the party, Distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who equally received his free nomination form from the NWC; Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, caucus leader of Abia State members in the House of Representatives, who led other federal lawmakers from the state; as well as members of the Abia State Executive Council.

2027: Otti Receives Free Labour Party Nomination Form is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, on Friday received his Labour Party nomination forms free of charge from the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party.

Leading other members of the NWC to the Abia State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, where the brief presentation ceremony took place, was the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, who spoke on behalf of the delegation.

Senator Usman commended Governor Otti for serving as the poster boy of the Labour Party and for faithfully implementing the party’s ideals of equal opportunities and social justice in the governance of Abia State.

She stated that the nomination forms were presented to him free of charge in recognition of his outstanding performance in office and as an encouragement for him to continue delivering quality governance to the people of the state.

In his remarks, the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Obioma Iheanacho, thanked Governor Otti for his steadfast faith in and commitment to the Labour Party, even at a time when the party was faced with internal challenges and many others had abandoned it for different political platforms.

He praised the governor’s consistency, both in politics and governance.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the party’s NWC for the honour done to him, assuring them that he did not take the gesture lightly.

He pledged not to disappoint the party and promised to continue supporting it in every possible way.

The governor also commended Senator Nenadi Usman for her leadership in steering the party out of the protracted crisis that had hitherto plagued it.

He further expressed confidence that the coast was now clear for the Labour Party to proceed into the next general elections, as all legal impediments confronting the party had been effectively and exhaustively resolved, with no subsisting litigation anywhere against the party.

Senator Usman was accompanied by the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Obioma Iheanacho; National Organising Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah; National Woman Leader, Hilda Dokubo; and the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa.

Also present at the ceremony were the immediate past National Secretary of the party, Distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who equally received his free nomination form from the NWC; Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, caucus leader of Abia State members in the House of Representatives, who led other federal lawmakers from the state; as well as members of the Abia State Executive Council.

2027: Gov Otti receives free guber nomination forms from Labour Party

Sporting Lagos have emerged champions of the 2026 Nigeria National League, NNL, Super Four, DAILY POST reports.

Jeffrey Butler’s side claimed the title despite losing 1-0 to local rivals, Inter Lagos, in their final game at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Friday night.

Although both teams finished on six points, Sporting Lagos claimed the title thanks to a superior goal difference.

The Noisy Lagosians were rewarded with a N10,000,000 prize and a trophy.

Ranchers Bees finished third after thrashing Doma United 3-0 in the other fixture.

Inter Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United went home with N2 million each.

Sporting Lagos crowned 2026 NNL Super Four champions