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The Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Katung, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.

Katung also threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, endorsing their anticipated bids for a second term.

The lawmaker made the declaration during a meeting with the Local Government Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from his senatorial district, held in Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Midat Joseph, on Friday, Katung said his decision to re-contest was driven by the need to complete ongoing projects across Southern Kaduna.

“I am seeking a second term to consolidate on the gains we have made, complete ongoing initiatives, and continue to provide quality representation to our people,” the senator said.

Katung further linked his ambition to the broader policy direction of the Federal and Kaduna State governments, noting that the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration and the development blueprint of the Uba Sani government required experienced legislators to drive implementation at the grassroots.

He urged party stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing the importance of maintaining political alignment within the ruling party.

“The task before us requires unity, commitment, and strategic mobilisation. Southern Kaduna must remain firmly aligned with the APC to safeguard and expand the developmental strides already recorded,” he added.

The senator also assured party officials of his commitment to inclusive governance, unity, and sustained development across the eight local government areas that make up the Kaduna South Senatorial District.

Katung, who is serving his first term in the Senate, has been actively involved in legislative and constituency projects aimed at improving infrastructure and social services in the zone.

Kaduna Senator Declares Second Term Bid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Veteran producer and music executive ID Cabasa has urged Christian creatives not to shy away from pursuing a career in the secular music industry because of claims that it is “ungodly”.

The Coded Tunes boss debunked the claim as “a lie” aimed at dissuading Christians from the music industry.

He said contrary to the misconception, the devil doesn’t own the secular music industry.

On his X handle, he wrote, “If you are a Christian creatives within the secular space please pay attention! There’s an agenda to dissuade you from taking that space with a lie that the devil own that space! The devil owns Sin and carnality ‘Yes.’ But the earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof.”

Cabasa urged Christian creatives to embrace the secular music industry, stressing that “there’s evil in the world but there’s shortage of light which is why evil prevail”.

He assured, “Their evil cannot trump your light.”

‘Devil doesn’t own secular music industry’ – ID Cabasa

The Federal Government has outlined key economic and governance reforms while engaging foreign media organisations on Nigeria’s development trajectory and global positioning.

The development was disclosed in a statement shared on April 23 2026, on the official page of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to the statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, spoke during an interactive session with international media in Abuja, where he addressed issues around economic reforms, transparency and global partnerships.

He said the current administration has embarked on wide-ranging reforms across critical sectors, including the economy, security, education and infrastructure.

“We are embarking on the most comprehensive set of structural reforms in decades,” Idris said.

The minister noted that recent economic data showed signs of recovery, with growth improving and fiscal adjustments such as subsidy removal and exchange rate unification aimed at strengthening government revenue.

He added that funds saved from these measures are being redirected towards infrastructure development and social services.

It was further noted that on security, Idris stated that intelligence-driven operations have contributed to improved stability in parts of the country, while ongoing legislative discussions are expected to strengthen governance at the sub-national level.

He also highlighted interventions in education and youth development, including student loan schemes and expansion of digital infrastructure.

“Accurate reporting requires holding both truths,” he said, calling on international media organisations to reflect both the country’s challenges and progress in their reports.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said Nigeria’s reform efforts have moved into a consolidation phase focused on delivering tangible outcomes for citizens.

“We have moved from fragility to stability, and now to consolidation,” he said.

Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, noted that efforts are ongoing to drive economic diversification through increased investment, trade and industrialisation.

The session, according to the statement, forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen engagement with international stakeholders and shape Nigeria’s global narrative.

Nigerian Govt highlights economic reforms, seeks fair coverage from international media

Norway announced on Friday that it plans to introduce a bill to stop social media platforms from allowing users under 16.

The country also said that tech companies will have to check the age of their users.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr, in a statement said : “We are introducing this law because we want kids to have the childhood they deserve, where they can play, grow, and be kids.

“Play, friendships, and everyday life should not be controlled by algorithms and screens.”

He described the move as a key step to protect children’s online experiences.

Some European countries, like France, Spain, and Denmark have already announced plans to set age restrictions for social media use.

Countries such as Australia and Turkey have already taken the step.

The European Commission in mid-April introduced an app that checks a person’s age, and it will be available to people in Europe soon.

“This method serves as a means to ensure the age limit is respected. I expect technology companies to make sure that the age limit is respected.

“Children shouldn’t be left responsible for avoiding platforms they aren’t allowed to use.

“That responsibility lies with the companies that offer these services. They need to put in place good age checks and follow the law right from the start.

“The government stated that the number of children who have phones or use social media has gone down because of several actions they’ve already put in place, like “national screen-time guidelines and suggestions for schools that are mobile-free,” Norwegian Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, said.

Norway moves to ban social media for under-16s

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday issued an order restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, from imposing fines and penalties on motorists who breached the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, in a judgment on Friday, barred the police and the FRSC from imposing fines on defaulting motorists without a valid court order.

The verdict was delivered in a suit filed by a lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

Justice Yilwa before delivering her judgement dismissed a Notice of Preliminary Objection brought by the police to “arrest the judgment”.

When the matter was mentioned, counsel to the police, Mr Andrew Victor, brought a motion to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

He argued that jurisdiction is vital to any case and can be brought at any time before judgment, adding that the police was not served with the court process.

However, Justice Yilwa, in a bench ruling disagreed, maintaining that evidence of service is contained in the court’s record.

“Having listened to submissions of all counsel, this court notes that the originating summons was served on all respondents,” she said, adding that her record shows the suit was served on the police on April 3, May 21, November 14, 17, January 28, and April 21.

While also listing the dates that the 2nd and 3rd respondents filed their respective replies, she said, “1st respondent (police) is very much aware of the suit but refused to respond, this is viewed as an attempt to arrest this judgment and this court will not allow it.

“The motion of preliminary objection as well as the party seeking to be joined are hereby refused. Consequently I shall proceed to deliver judgment.”

The trial judge in her judgment held that the police and FRSC, who are 1st and 3rd respondents in the suit, although empowered to enforce the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act, however lack the powers to impose fines and penalties on any motorists in breach of the Act, without a court order.

BREAKING: Third Party Motor Insurance: Court bars Police, FRSC from imposing fines on motorists

Africans from Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon and Gabon returning home after spending over a week in Calabar for a religious festival have said the cost of living in Nigeria is far lower compared to what obtains in their respective countries.

The visitors were in Calabar alongside other foreign nationals for weeklong spiritual activities organised by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.

Beyond participating in the spiritual activities during their stay in Calabar, many of them also visited local markets, malls and social spots where they bought goods for personal use and commercial purposes.

A Ghanaian visitor, Jacklyn Asare, said Nigerians often underestimate the economic advantage they enjoy despite complaints about the high cost of living.

“I now understand why many Nigerians keep complaining about their government and the economy. Perhaps it is because of the country’s huge population, which contributes to the pressure on living costs,” she said.

“But honestly, things are far cheaper in Nigeria than in my country and even in many other West African countries.

“I regularly travel to Lagos, Onitsha and Aba to buy goods, and sometimes I place orders from Ghana in smaller quantities.”

She explained that after reselling the products in Ghana, the profit margin is usually significant, noting that one Ghanaian cedi currently exchanges for over N82, which boosts returns for traders.

According to her, many Nigerian traders who export goods to Ghana have become wealthy because Nigerian products are cheaper and highly marketable across West Africa.

She added that the national minimum wage earned by many Nigerians would barely buy a single major household item in Ghana.

Asare also noted that petrol in Ghana currently sells for over GH¢15.77 per litre, which is equivalent to about N1,900 per litre when converted to naira.

A Liberian visitor, Samuel Ator, supported her position, saying he visits Nigeria at least once a year and often buys goods through his daughters who live in Calabar and Lagos.

“Nigerian goods are everywhere in West Africa because they are affordable and of good quality. Sometimes my daughters help me buy and send items to Liberia,” he said.

A Cameroonian clergyman, Oru Denis, who visits Calabar at least once every two months, said he often comes with affordable devices to sell in Nigeria and returns with Nigerian goods for resale in Mamfe, Cameroon.

“After converting CFA to naira, I can buy more goods here at cheaper rates. The profits are often worthwhile,” he said.

Similarly, Orji Igwe, who lives in Gabon, said he used his visit to Calabar to purchase food items such as afang and editan vegetables, as well as other made-in-Nigeria products for sale back home.

He said the business remains profitable depending on the quantity of goods he is able to transport.

Visiting Africans say cost of living in Nigeria lower than in their countries

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, says the party will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in the 2027 general elections.

Abdullahi stated this in a statement while congratulating Senator Tony Nwoye over his emergence as Senate Minority Whip.

According to him, Nwoye’s emergence is a reflection of his credibility and a sign of the party’s growing influence.

He pointed out that the development also underscores the party’s readiness to strengthen democratic practice ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The ADC warmly congratulates Tony Nwoye on his emergence as the Minority Whip of the Senate.

“This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Senator Nwoye’s consistency, courage, and unwavering commitment to democratic values.

“His elevation reflects not only his personal capacity and credibility but also the growing confidence in the ADC as a principled platform for responsible opposition and national renewal.

“At a time when Nigeria’s democracy requires strengthening, vigilance, and a clear voice for accountability, this development underscores the readiness of the ADC to play a more decisive role in deepening democratic practice, advancing legislative responsibility, and protecting the interests of the Nigerian people.

“As we look ahead to 2027, this milestone further affirms that the ADC is not only prepared to contest but ready to lead, offering Nigerians a credible alternative anchored on integrity, competence, and service,” the statement read.

2027: ADC Nigeria’s credible alternative – Spokesman

The United States government has offered a second $10 million bounty in weeks on the leader of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, signalling a deliberate campaign by Washington to hunt down Tehran-aligned armed group commanders one by one.

The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme announced Thursday that it was seeking information on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai, the leader of Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada, a Tehran-backed armed group designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington.

According to the State Department, the group has killed Iraqi civilians and attacked U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as targeting U.S. military bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria.

Those with credible information on al-Saraji’s whereabouts were told they could be eligible for both the reward and relocation.

The announcement follows a similar $10 million bounty placed earlier this month on Ahmad Al Hamidawi, the leader of Kataeb Hezbollah, another powerful Iranian-backed militia. That group had kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson from a Baghdad street in March, holding her for a week before releasing her.

The back-to-back bounties reflect growing U.S. frustration with Iran-aligned militias operating across Iraq, whose attacks have extended beyond the country’s borders to
U.S. troops in Jordan and Kuwait.

Saudi officials this week told the Wall Street Journal that more than half of 1,000 drone attacks on the kingdom were launched from Iraqi soil, drawing condemnation from Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan.

Washington has also turned up pressure on the Iraqi government directly, halting security cooperation and suspending dollar shipments from Iraqi oil revenue in a bid to force Baghdad to rein in the militia groups operating within its borders.

U.S. Puts Second $10m Bounty On Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Leader is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, holding the proceedings in secrecy despite the presence of accredited journalists.

The court-martial, constituted by the Defence Headquarters, was inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security. The session was held behind closed doors, and journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue. Security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 a.m.

The military proceedings are unfolding alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja. On April 22, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, arraigned several other suspects in connection with the same alleged plot before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. That group, which includes retired military officers, a police inspector, and civilians, pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, and money laundering.

The prosecution alleges that the group conspired in 2025 to overthrow the government and failed to report the plot to authorities. The court has since ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services, with an accelerated hearing scheduled for April 27.

The dual-track prosecution has sparked a significant legal debate. Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the AGF to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution to discontinue the military trial and consolidate all cases before the Federal High Court. Falana argued that under Section 251 of the Constitution, offences such as treason and terrorism fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, and questioned the legal consistency of prosecuting some suspects in a civilian court while subjecting others to a military tribunal for the same alleged offences.

“Courts-martial lack the jurisdiction to handle such grave constitutional offences,” Falana stated, noting that even under past military regimes, coup-related cases were typically handled by special tribunals rather than standard courts-martial.

Families of the accused, alongside activist Omoyele Sowore, have also joined the call for a transparent, civilian-led trial to ensure the defendants’ fundamental rights are protected.

Press Locked Out As Military Tries 36 Alleged Coup Plotters is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Navy has announced that it prevented a fire outbreak at the Nigerian Correctional Service Quarters located in Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos State.

The incident took place around 11:00 p.m. on 22 April 2026, when a fire ignited in a residential structure within the quarters. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been triggered by the explosion of a gas cylinder, causing it to spread quickly to a neighboring building.

A statement issued by Captain AA Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, indicated that in a prompt response, personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, in conjunction with the Naval Ordnance Depot (NOD), rapidly dispatched two fire trucks to the location.

He said the naval team was able to contain the fire and prevent it from extending further before the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene.

The statement noted that while two buildings in the area were damaged and some property was lost, there were no casualties reported at the time of this announcement.

“The Nigerian Navy praises the professionalism, bravery, and quick response of its personnel, whose timely actions prevented what could have developed into a larger disaster. This event highlights the critical need for fire safety awareness and strict compliance with preventive measures,” the statement said.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to assisting civil authorities by offering its logistical capabilities for emergency response operations, whenever necessary, to protect lives and property.

Nigerian Navy intervenes in fire outbreak at Kirikiri Prison