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The immediate past National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-East, Mustafa Salihu, has joined the Adamawa State governorship race.

Salihu unveiled his nomination and expression of interest forms to a crowd of supporters in Yola on Tuesday afternoon, when he also officially opened his campaign office.

Addressing the gathering, he craved their support all the way towards achieving his ambition to lead the state, urging all APC members to remain loyal and united, as party cohesion is critical for victory.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, said Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s record demands a capable successor, describing the former APC zonal leader as possessing such capability.

Also present at the event were Senator Binta Masi Garba; former House of Representatives member Captain Yusuf Buba; and serving members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, among others.

Ex-APC North-East chairman Salihu joins Adamawa governorship race

A tragic road accident on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge has claimed the life of a woman, while her 30-year-old daughter survived the crash.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed that the incident occurred earlier in the day at the Ilaje inward Iyana Oworo axis of the bridge.

According to the agency, the crash involved a head-on collision between two Toyota Sienna vehicles with registration numbers LSR 809 GV and LSR 695 HM. The impact of the collision, authorities said, highlights the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly excessive speeding.

LASTMA officials explained that upon receiving a distress call, operatives on routine patrol quickly moved to the scene and immediately put traffic control measures in place to prevent further incidents. Safety cones were positioned to secure the area and protect other road users.

Personnel from the Oworonsoki Police Division also responded promptly and were actively involved in documenting the incident and initiating necessary legal procedures.

The agency confirmed that one female adult lost her life in the crash, while her daughter, who was in the same vehicle, survived.

The remains of the deceased have since been evacuated by security operatives. Meanwhile, LASTMA officers, working with other agencies, stayed on ground to manage traffic and ensure there were no additional accidents.

Authorities further disclosed that one of the drivers involved fled the scene after the crash. However, the second driver was apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.

“In the aftermath of the crash, one of the drivers absconded from the scene. However, the second driver was promptly apprehended by LASTMA personnel and subsequently handed over to the police to facilitate thorough investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law,” the agency said.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warned motorists against reckless driving, stressing that over-speeding remains a major cause of fatal accidents.

He urged drivers to be more careful, obey speed limits, and maintain discipline while on the road.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring smooth traffic flow across Lagos State.

Mother dies, daughter survives in Third Mainland Bridge crash

The Imo State Police Command has commenced coordinated search and rescue operations following the reported abduction of a 17-year-old student of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Miss Mary Ezinwayi Uzoma.

The 100 level microbiology student was reportedly kidnapped along the FUTO/Ihiagwa Road in Owerri West LGA.

The Command said it had, in synergy with local vigilantes, promptly mobilized to the scene, where adjoining bushes and surrounding areas were immediately subjected to intensive search operations as part of ongoing efforts to locate the victim.

Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Tuesday, said the State Police Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the case and sustain intelligence-led operations in synergy with other security agencies.

“The directive are parts of proactive measures aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the victim and the swift arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement said.

Pkoye added that following the development, the CP has reinforced security deployment across the FUTO axis and adjoining communities, with sustained patrols, surveillance and visibility policing already ongoing.

He assured students, school authorities and residents of the state of the Command’s unwavering commitment to their safety, and urged them to remain calm, vigilant and continue their lawful activities.

“The Imo State Police Command remains proactive and resolute in its mandate to prevent crime, protect lives and property.

“Members of the public with useful information are encouraged to report at the nearest police station or contact 0803 477 3600,” the statement added.

Imo: Police deploy operatives to rescue abducted FUTO student

The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, in Niger State has cautioned farmers against the excessive use of chemicals on crops, both during cultivation and storage, citing serious health risks to consumers.

This warning was issued during a promotion and advocacy campaign against roadside drying of food items held in Doko, Lavun Local Government Area, where the state Business, Marketing and Development Officer of VCDP, Mrs Elizabeth Yisa, linked several health challenges to poor food handling practices.

She expressed concern that despite continuous sensitization, some farmers reportedly still misuse chemicals, posing serious health dangers to the society.

“Many farmers ignore recommended guidelines for chemical application, instead of using the approved measurement mixed with water, some reportedly apply up to six times the required quantity in a bid to accelerate crop growth.

“These chemicals remain in the food even after processing, even as excessive use during storage also puts consumers at risk,” she observed.

Yisa also advised cassava processors to properly fry garri rather than rely on roadside drying, and to use clean and controlled environments where drying is necessary, noting that the programme trains farmers on safe practices across the value chain.

Also, Nurse Leah Yisa of IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, warned that excessive chemical intake through food and drying food on dirty areas can lead to severe illnesses, including cancers such as leukemia and lung cancer, among others.

“We educated participants on the dangers of excessive chemical use in food production. These substances can accumulate in the body and lead to serious health conditions over time,” she said.

Religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, Pastor David G. and Alhaji Mohammed Alkali m, who attended the advocacy programme, pledged to take the message back to their congregations, raising awareness among farmers and consumers about the dangers of roadside drying and the misuse of agricultural chemicals.

Also, participants, including Mrs Grace and Audu Dazhr, both farmers, decried the habit of exposing food meant for consumption to dirty environments, noting that it endangers both producers and consumers.

They also called for the revival of sanitation teams within local councils to enforce hygiene standards in food processing areas and ensure safer handling of agricultural produce.

VCDP warns farmers against excessive agrochemical use, roadside drying

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court awarding N100m in damages against it in a defamation suit filed by two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

It described the ruling as a travesty of justice and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Justice Yusuf Halilu delivered the judgment in Abuja on Monday, ruling in favour of DSS operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele.

The court awarded them N100m in damages, reduced from the N5bn they originally sought, alongside N1m in costs and 10 percent post-judgment interest until full payment is made.

The court also ordered SERAP to publish public apologies in national newspapers and broadcast outlets.

The suit stemmed from SERAP’s September 2024 statements following an incident at its Abuja office, where it alleged that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its premises after the organisation issued demands for investigations into alleged corruption at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

SERAP said, “This judgment is totally unacceptable to us. It is a travesty and a serious blow to civic space in Nigeria.” The organisation further argued that the decision reflects “a troubling pattern under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using defamation laws to punish legitimate criticism and suppress accountability.”

It has instructed its lawyers, including Senior Advocates Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, to appeal. It described the case as “a textbook example of judicial harassment and a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), designed to intimidate civil society and deter legitimate human rights advocacy.”

The organisation maintained that its statements were directed at institutional conduct rather than individuals, insisting that its publication did not name the DSS operatives involved. It also argued that there were inconsistencies in the DSS account of the incident, including discrepancies in identification details and conflicting explanations about the nature of the visit to its office.

SERAP further stated that the ruling fails to reflect the evidence presented in court and warned that it creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civic engagement.

According to the group, “Strategic lawsuits against public participation undermine the rule of law by diverting judicial processes from their proper purpose —justice to repression.”

The organisation reiterated its commitment to continue its anti-corruption and transparency advocacy, saying, “We stand resolute. We will continue to defend civic space, promote transparency, and advance accountability in Nigeria.”

SERAP To Appeal N100m Defamation Judgment In DSS Suit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The 14th witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, confirmed on Tuesday that a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment voided the refund of school fees paid to the American International School by Yahaya Bello for his children to the EFCC.

While being cross-examined by the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, Nicholas Ojehomon, an Internal Auditor with the American International School, Abuja, read out the part of the judgment, which indicated that the American school erred by refunding the school fees in contention to the EFCC.

The court had said that the school could not unilaterally grant the request for refund by a third party – the EFCC – except in accordance with the agreement or upon a court order.

The witness was told to read out part of the Certified True Copy of the judgment in the suit no FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023, filed by Ali Bello against AISA.

He quoted the judgment as saying, “It is hereby declared that the Defendant CANNOT LAWFULLY and unilaterally grant the ‘request for refund’ and pay over to a third party, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or anyone howsoever described, the sum of $760,910.84 or any other sum paid pursuant to the ‘Agreement for Prepaid School Fees except in accordance with the said agreement or upon an order of court.

“It is hereby declared that any refund/payment of the sum of $760,910.84 or any other sum made to a third party, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or any other person, however described, pursuant to any request for refund, or howsoever described, without regards to due process or agreement of the Claimant is in breach of the Agreement for Prepaid School Fees.”

The court, according to the CTC read out by the EFCC witness, also gave “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant whether by itself, its trustees, members of staff, agents, privies, representatives and or any person howsoever described, from giving effect to any request for refund and/or paying over the sum of $760,910.84 or any other sum paid pursuant to the Agreement, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or anybody or account, howsoever described, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or with recourse to the due process of law”.

After reading out the portions required, the witness admitted that the judgment implied that the school was wrong to have refunded the said fees to the EFCC without a court order.

“The third relief you read says you were wrong in refunding money to the EFCC,” the defendant’s counsel said.

“Yes,” the witness responded.

The witness was also shown the agreement for the prepaid school fees, marked Exhibit AX4, and he confirmed that Yahaya Bello was not a signatory.

Ojehomon, who said he had worked as an internal auditor for AISA for about eight to nine years, added that no payment originated from the former governor.

The court had, during the examination-in-chief of the witness admitted the CTC of the judgement with suit No FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023 between Ali Bello and American International School, Abuja, as Exhibit AO.

Justice Maryann Anenih, thereafter, stepped down an application challenging the jurisdiction of the Court for ruling and adjourned sitting to May 8, .2026 for continuation of trial.

Yahaya Bello: No court order mandates America Intl School to refund school fees to EFCC – Witness

Murtala Sule Garo has been sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of his predecessor nearly six weeks ago.

The oath of office was administered by the state’s Chief Judge in a ceremony held in Kano in the presence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Garo, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Kano State, was nominated by Governor Yusuf to replace Abdussalam Gwarzo, who resigned from the position on March 27, 2026.

Former presidential spokesman Bashir Ahmad congratulated Garo on his inauguration, expressing hope that he would work effectively alongside the governor to advance development and prosperity in the state.

Garo Sworn In As Kano Deputy Governor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has said that regulatory success in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector must no longer be judged by the volume of circulars and directives issued, but by tangible, measurable outcomes such as production growth, investor confidence, operational efficiency, and improved sector performance.

She made this known in an interview with Upstream Gaze, the official magazine of the NUPRC, where she outlined the Commission’s reform priorities and its evolving regulatory philosophy under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to her, the upstream regulator is deliberately shifting away from a process-heavy system toward a performance-driven framework where impact, not paperwork, defines success.

“Regulatory success must be measured not by the number of circulars issued, but by tangible outcomes,” she said. “These include higher production, improved safety performance, credible hydrocarbon measurement, reduced losses, faster approvals, and renewed investor confidence.”

Eyesan explained that the reform agenda is anchored on the PIA, which provides a modern legal framework designed to make Nigeria’s upstream sector more transparent, efficient, and globally competitive.

She said the Commission is repositioning itself from a traditional enforcement-focused regulator into an enabling institution that actively supports investment, while still maintaining strict compliance with technical, environmental, and safety standards.

At the heart of this shift is a strong emphasis on measurable performance rather than administrative output.

“We are moving toward a system where what matters is not how many directives are issued, but how much production is achieved, how efficiently operations run, and how much value is created for the economy,” she said.

Eyesan said one of the Commission’s immediate priorities is to place Nigeria’s upstream sector on a stable growth path capable of meeting national production targets.

She noted that the goal is to restore output toward two million barrels per day in the short term and three million barrels per day by 2030 through improved field development execution and optimisation of existing assets.

“Our focus is on getting more from existing fields through enhanced recovery, reservoir management, well interventions, and faster execution of field development plans,” she said. “We are also working to reduce deferments and non-technical losses that affect production efficiency.”

She stressed that accurate hydrocarbon accounting and real-time production data remain critical to improving transparency, investor confidence, and national planning.

A major challenge in the sector, according to Eyesan, has been regulatory delays and uncertainty, which the Commission is addressing through strict timelines and digital transformation.

She said the NUPRC is introducing service-level agreements (SLAs) that define clear timelines for approvals of licences, permits, and field development plans.

“We are building a regulatory environment where approvals are predictable, time-bound, and transparent,” she said. “This is essential for reducing uncertainty and improving Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.”

To support this, the Commission is deploying digital tools such as end-to-end e-permitting systems, automated workflows, and online submission platforms to reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

Eyesan emphasised that predictability is a key requirement for attracting long-term investment in the global energy sector. “A predictable and transparent regulator lowers risk, reduces costs, and gives investors the confidence to deploy capital,” she said.

The Commission is also intensifying structured engagement with industry stakeholders, including operators and service providers, to identify and resolve bottlenecks early and collaboratively.

While pushing for higher production, Eyesan said safety, environmental protection, and community stability remain non-negotiable pillars of regulation. She said the Commission is strengthening risk-based inspections, improving compliance enforcement, and aligning operations with global best practices.

“We are reinforcing gas flaring reduction, emissions monitoring, and improved measurement systems as part of our sustainability agenda,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of the Host Community Development Trust framework under the PIA, describing it as essential for maintaining peace in producing areas and ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Eyesan said the overall reform direction reflects a shift toward results-driven regulation, where success is defined by outcomes such as production growth, investment inflows, approval timelines, and operational efficiency not the volume of regulatory activity.

She added that internal systems within the Commission are also being strengthened to ensure accountability, transparency, and measurable delivery.

“Our reforms are designed to ensure regulation delivers real economic value,” she said. “When investors see faster approvals, stronger data integrity, and consistent implementation of the PIA, confidence naturally follows.”

She concluded that the ultimate objective is to position Nigeria as Africa’s most competitive upstream petroleum investment destination driven not by regulatory volume, but by real results across production, investment, and sustainability.

Regulatory Success Must Be Measured By Results, Not Circulars– Eyesan is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A rainstorm has claimed two lives and destroyed more than 50 houses in Dokan Mai-Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Village Head of Dokan Mai-Jama’a, Alhaji Hamisu Tukur, confirmed the incident, saying the storm caused widespread destruction and displaced many residents.

Tukur said that over 50 houses were affected, with several completely destroyed.

Residents said the heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, started at about 6:41 p.m. on Monday and lasted for more than 40 minutes, leaving extensive damage in its wake.

A correspondent who visited the area reports that many families have been rendered homeless and are making efforts to salvage their belongings from the debris.

Some buildings were completely destroyed, while others had their roofs blown off, exposing occupants to harsh weather conditions.

Heads of affected households were seen seeking temporary shelter for their families as they grappled with the aftermath of the disaster.

The victims have appealed to the Kaduna State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency for urgent assistance.

The rainstorm also affected parts of Sabon Gyero community, where several houses were damaged and more than 10 perimeter fences destroyed.

Sabon Gyero, located within Millennium City in Chikun Local Government Area, also recorded significant losses.

Eyewitnesses said the rainfall disrupted traffic, blocked a major road and forced motorists to seek alternative routes.

NAN reports that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Kaduna has deployed a team to Dokan Mai-Jama’a to assess the extent of the damage and determine necessary intervention.

Rainstorm Kills Two, Destroys Houses In Kaduna is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has called on members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kebbi State to remain steadfast despite challenges facing the party.

The message was contained in a post shared on his official Facebook handle, where he encouraged party faithful to stay united and focused, describing the current situation as a defining moment rather than a setback.

Malami said the difficulties confronting the party should be seen as a test of resilience and a pathway to eventual success, noting that “the harder the challenge, the sweeter the victory.”

According to him, the ADC in Kebbi State is undergoing a period that would ultimately strengthen its unity, commitment, and political direction.

He urged supporters not to be discouraged by temporary obstacles, stressing that history favours those who remain firm in the face of adversity.

The former minister also appealed to party members across the state to close ranks, remain committed to the ideals of the ADC, and work collectively towards achieving their political goals.

Malami expressed confidence that with unity and determination, the party would overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger ahead of future political contests.

He further called on the people of Kebbi State to maintain hope and continue supporting the ADC, assuring that victory would be achieved through perseverance and collective effort.

Malami urges ADC supporters in Kebbi to stay resolute amid challenges