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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against a four‑year drugs ban imposed by the Football Association.

The Ukraine international, 25, has been sidelined for nearly 18 months after an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” led to a provisional suspension in December 2024.

Charged in June 2025, Mudryk was subsequently handed the maximum four‑year ban by the FA, according to a spokesperson for the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest legal authority in sport.

The FA has never disclosed details of the case.

In such cases, bans are typically backdated to the start of the provisional suspension, meaning his current return date would be around December 2028.

However, an appeal has now been lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in Switzerland, with sources close to the player hopeful he could return to action as early as next season.

In a statement Cas said: “Cas confirms it has received an appeal by Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on 25 February 2026. The Parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.”

Mudryk reportedly came into contact with the cardiovascular medication meldonium, which can increase respiratory capacity and stamina, while on duty with the Ukraine national team in October 2024.

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea for an initial 70m euros (£61m) in January 2023, has not played a competitive match since November 2024.

In his only public statement when his provisional suspension began, Mudryk described his “complete shock” and said he had “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules”.

Mudryk is being defended by Morgan Sports Law, the firm who worked with former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba during his doping case while playing for Juventus, as well as boxer Tyson Fury and cyclist Chris Froome during their respective investigations.

He is understood to want to return to playing football this year and is keeping fit by training at non-league Uxbridge FC with a private coach and having hired goalkeepers to work with.

Chelsea’s Mudryk Appeals Against Four-Year FA Ban is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Social media personality, Eniola Fagbemi, popularly known as Sisi Alagbo, has issued a public apology after her private video surfaced online.

The Oyo-based herbal vendor addressed the situation in a Facebook post on Wednesday, admitting fault and expressing regret over the incident.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologise with all sincerity for the video circulating online,” she wrote. “I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me.”

Beyond the apology, Sisi Alagbo revealed that the backlash from the incident has taken a serious emotional toll on her, affecting her daily life and well-being.

“I am already passing through a lot. I can’t eat or sleep for days. Even sleeping medicines aren’t working for me any longer,” she said.

Appealing to the public for understanding, she added, “Please forgive me. I don’t want to injure myself. I only have a little strength left.”

Sisi Alagbo breaks silence on leaked tape

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has ordered the immediate dismissal and prosecution of ASP Nuhu Usman, the officer involved in the fatal shooting incident of 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, which resulted in the death of upcoming singer, Mene Ogidi.

A statement released by the Force spokespoerson, DCP Anthony Placid this evening, said all officers connected to the incident were immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they were subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings.

The statement added that the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside other internal disciplinary processes, concluded its review. 

‘’Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law.

Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.’’the statement read 

The statement added that upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting.

Full Statement 

FORCE LEADERSHIP ORDERS DISMISSAL, PROSECUTION OF OFFICERS INVOLVED IN EFFURUN SHOOTING

The Nigeria Police Force hereby provides an update on the disciplinary actions taken following the fatal shooting incident of 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, which resulted in the death of Mr Mene Ogidi.

Sequel to the earlier directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, all officers connected to the incident were immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they were subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings.

The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review. Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law.

Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.

Upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting.

The Inspector-General of Police reiterates, in the strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power. No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.

The IGP extends his deepest and most solemn condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr Mene Ogidi. He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly. The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public confidence and institutional accountability.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens while ensuring accountability at all levels.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mni 

Force Public Relations Officer 

Force Headquarters, Abuja

29th April 2026

Eniola Fagbemi, better known as Sisi Alagbo is an Oyo State-based herbal vendor and social media personality popular for promoting “agbo” (traditional herbal drinks) for things like fertility, infections, and general wellness. She has a sizable following on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. 

A private video leaked online showing her, her husband (reportedly Adesola Hakeem), and another woman in a threesome. In the footage, she’s said to be filming while naked. The leak reportedly started from a WhatsApp group (allegedly sent by the husband by mistake, according to some claims from people like her former godmother Mewolaka). 

She posted a public apology on her verified Facebook account on Wednesday:

“I own my mistakes and I apologize with all sincerity of the video circulating online, am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me! This is a great phase for me and I pray for God forgiveness and my fans forgiveness, please let’s move on pass this because this media is where i get little support to feed, pls don’t condemn me or castigate me am already passing through a lot, I can’t eat or sleep for days even sleeping meds aren’t working for me anyone longer, am deeply sorry everyone. Please forgive me i don’t want to injure myself it’s only little strength i have…”

It’s a raw, emotional apology focusing on regret, mental health struggles, and her livelihood depending on her online presence.

As expected in Nigeria (and generally with such scandals), it’s a mix:

•  Some are sympathetic, especially noting the emotional toll and calling for forgiveness.

•  Others are roasting her hard, calling the apology “foolish” or performative, questioning why record it in the first place, or digging into her past content.

This fits the classic pattern of influencer/private content leaks — privacy is gone once it’s out, and the court of public opinion is brutal, especially when it clashes with the wholesome/herbal healer image she built. Whether the apology helps her retain fans or not remains to be seen; these things often boost short-term visibility but damage long-term trust.

People make private mistakes (or choices), but in the age of easy sharing, the consequences hit fast and public. Hope she gets the support or peace she’s asking for — mental health struggles sound genuine here.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has disclosed that he anointed, not appointed, his former Commissioner of Works and Housing, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, as his likely successor.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by his media aide, Dauda Illiya, the governor stated that he only “anointed” Gubio during a political meeting in Abuja.

The statement, tagged “Zulum anoints, not endorses Gubio as his successor,” said the governor’s move was part of a usual political tradition.

The statement said, “It’s a usual thing for responsible leaders to welcome contesting candidates so they can pray for their success in the democratic process.”

Zulum noted that as the leader of the APC in the state, he also welcomed other candidates, including those running for Borno North Senatorial and House of Representatives positions, who equally submitted their nomination papers.

According to the statement: “Governor Zulum not only received Engr. Gubio, who has shown interest in running for the governorship position and was the first to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms, but also received contestants for the Borno North Senatorial seat, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and House of Representatives member for Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba, among others.”

Illiya said that Zulum remains “a committed democrat who believes in inclusivity,” and noted that the governor had told stakeholders during a meeting on April 25 at the Government House that another session would be held to officially present the party’s candidates.

Borno 2027: I didn’t endorse Gubio, I only anointed him – Gov Zulum

Two major gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and Barrister Sharafadeen Alli, have picked the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

DAILY POST reports that the duo picked the forms on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adelabu is the immediate past Minister of Power and hails from Ibadan.

Alli, on the other hand, currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District on the platform of the APC.

He is also an indigene of Ibadan, the state capital.

DAILY POST reports that Adelabu’s Personal Assistant, Mr Ajiboye, picked up the form on behalf of his boss at the APC Secretariat in Abuja.

Alli, on his part, collected the form himself in Abuja.

Alli was accompanied by some members of the House of Representatives, among whom were Remi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olamiju Alao-Akala, and Akin Alabi.

Oyo 2027: Adelabu, Alli pick APC guber nomination forms

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, and Activate Success International Foundation (ASIF) today announced a partnership to advance youth entrepreneurship, digital financial inclusion, and enterprise development across Nigeria.

The collaboration, anchored on the 2026 edition of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (YEEP), brings together two institutions with a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity for young Nigerians.

Over the past 10 years, ASIF has built one of Nigeria’s credible platforms for enterprise development through YEEP, providing young entrepreneurs with access to training, mentorship, and funding.

In 2025 alone, the programme deployed over ₦50 million in cash and equipment grants to support carefully selected young Nigerians, who submitted business proposals to build viable businesses.

YEEP 2025 recorded over 2,000 participants, while ASIF’s broader youth engagement ecosystem, including NYSC orientation camp activations, reached over 30,000 young people across the country.

As Lead Sponsor of YEEP 2026, Flutterwave will support the programme while integrating its full payment ecosystem, led by Send App, its flagship cross-border remittance platform, alongside merchant solutions and digital financial infrastructure. This will equip the youth with the tools to seamlessly receive payments from anywhere, manage transactions, and scale sustainable businesses.

Olugbenga Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave, said: “Nigeria’s youthful population is its greatest strength. The ambition is already there—what’s needed is access to the right tools to unlock it. For 10 years, Flutterwave has been building the infrastructure that powers opportunity, helping individuals and businesses transact, grow, and scale across borders.

“Through this partnership with ASIF, we’re deepening that impact by equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable businesses, while platforms like Send App give them the ability to receive payments globally and connect to opportunities beyond their immediate environment,” Agboola added.

For Flutterwave, the partnership reflects its commitment to powering Nigerian businesses through accessible financial infrastructure. Through this collaboration, Flutterwave’s payment solutions will be introduced to young Nigerians, including corps members participating in NYSC orientation programmes across Abuja and other states.

Love Idoko-Uloko, Founder/CEO, Activate Success International Foundation, said: “Young Nigerians do not need to be rescued; they need to be resourced. Our work through YEEP has consistently focused on providing real opportunities like funding, skills, and access. Partnering with Flutterwave strengthens this mission and expands the impact for every entrepreneur we support.”

YEEP 2026 is scheduled to take place on the 18th June, 2026 in Abuja. Beyond YEEP 2026, the partnership will extend to NYSC orientation camp engagements across the country, where thousands of corps members will gain exposure to digital financial tools, including payment solutions, merchant services, and financial management capabilities.

This initiative aligns with broader national priorities around financial inclusion and youth economic participation. Expanding access to digital financial tools remains critical to unlocking productivity within Nigeria’s largely informal economy and enabling young people to participate more effectively in formal economic systems.

Both organisations will also explore opportunities to connect beneficiaries to additional enterprise support programmes, strengthening pathways for sustainable business growth.

Flutterwave, Activate Success International Foundation partner on youth entrepreneurship, financial inclusion across Nigeria

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, on Wednesday handed over the five rescued students of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, to the school management and their families.

DAILY POST reported that the students were abducted by armed criminals suspected to be kidnappers on Monday while returning from a restaurant in Ode, where they had gone to buy food.

According to the command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, upon receiving the information, a patrol team was deployed to the scene where an ash-coloured Toyota vehicle with visible bullet impacts and bloodstains was discovered abandoned.

Babaseyi stated that operatives of Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Quick Response Squad (QRS), and OP MESA were immediately mobilised, leading to the safe rescue of the victims on Tuesday.

The Commissioner handed over the students to the Deputy Rector of the school, Mr Taiwo Ogunyinka, at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Ojajuni assured them that the command would put all it has in place to ensure that all schools and students in the state remain safe.

He said, “The Deputy Rector of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapade, is here on behalf of the school to receive the victims, and I hereby hand them over to the school authority. We were in touch with them throughout yesterday.

“I’m using this opportunity to assure the management of all schools and institutions in Ogun State that the police will put in all we have to secure these schools and the students. We are equally encouraging them to constantly get in touch with the local police officers, myself, or any other senior officers in the command for us to quickly respond to any emergency or distress call that may occur from their end.

“We are in touch with all the school managements across the state, and we are putting in place extra structures to protect students,” he added.

Ojajuni also appealed to students and school authorities to cooperate with the police, seeing them as partners in progress and collaborators, in order to ensure that the state has secure campuses and safe students.

Speaking on behalf of the governing council of the institution, the Deputy Rector expressed profound gratitude to the police for the bravery and timely intervention that led to the rescue of the students.

Ogunyinka presented a letter of appreciation to the CP and assured him of their continuous support to the command in all necessary safety measures for the institution.

Meanwhile, the SUG President of the institution, Comrade Akinpelu Timothy, thanked the Commissioner of Police for his quick response to security needs in the area, adding that it has assured students that their lives are in good hands.

Ogun CP hands over rescued Gateway Polytechnic students to families, school management

The former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has formally entered the race for the Kano North Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gwarzo announced this after purchasing his nomination form on Wednesday.

According to him, he is committed to serving his people with sincerity and dedication.

The process was carried out with him being represented by the member representing the Gwarzo/Kabo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdullahi M. Gwarzo, and the former Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government, Hon. Hassan Garba Farawa.

Confirming his ambition on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Gwarzo said he had officially taken the step to join the contest.

“Today, I formally purchased the nomination form to contest for the Kano North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

He added that his decision is driven by a desire to serve the people of the district with fairness and commitment.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants us success in this journey and guides us to serve our people with sincerity, dedication, and justice. Ameen,” he wrote.

It should be recalled that the current senator representing Kano North Senatorial District is Senator Barau I. Jibrin of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also the Deputy President of the Senate.

Ex-Minister Gwarzo joins 2027 Kano North Senate race

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has received a delegation from the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom at its headquarters on Diplomatic Drive, Abuja.

The UK Country Representative, Mr. Matt Mountain, visited the facility where he presented a digital forensic tool as a donation to the Centre.

The equipment, according to him, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between both countries in addressing the rising threat of cybercrime.

Mr. Mountain said the gesture reflects the commitment of the United Kingdom, through its High Commission, to support Nigeria in building stronger digital investigative capacity and enhancing global cooperation in cybersecurity enforcement.

He noted that cybercrime remains a growing global concern, requiring sustained partnerships, technology sharing, and capacity building among law enforcement agencies.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, CP Akinyemi Ezima, Director of the NPF-NCCC, expressed appreciation to the UK Government and the NCA for the support.

Ezima said the Centre values the partnership and assured that the digital forensic tool would be effectively deployed to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat cyber-related crimes in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NPF-NCCC to deepen international cooperation and improve its investigative capabilities in line with global best practices.

UK Donates Digital Forensic Tool To Nigeria Police Cybercrime Centre is first published on The Whistler Newspaper