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One person has lost his life as a result of injuries he sustained during an attack by a wild elephant.

The incident, according to sources, occurred on Thursday at Innayin community in Oke Ogun geopolitical zone of Oyo State.

It was learnt that a man identified as Ibrahim Tijani lost his life after he was attacked by the elephant.

Sources narrated that another person identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin was also attacked by the same animal.

The body of the first victim has been evacuated to a nearly health facility.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incidents.

He said that the command is currently investigating the matter.

Ayanlade said, “Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilized to the scene.

“On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack.

“His remains have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for necessary medical examination and preservation.

“During ongoing search operations, another individual, identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him.

“The Command wishes to reassure residents of Innayin and adjoining communities that the situation is being closely managed, and all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further harm.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid the affected area and report any sighting of the animal to security agencies promptly.”

One dead, another missing as elephant attacks Oyo community

The medical data of half a million British citizens was listed for sale on the Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba following a data breach at the UK Biobank charity, the British government disclosed on Thursday.

UK Science Minister Ian Murray revealed the development to the House of Commons, confirming that the data, which includes genetic sequences, blood samples, medical scans and lifestyle information from Biobank’s volunteer database, had appeared across three separate listings on the platform.

At least one of the listings appeared to contain data drawn from all 500,000 volunteers in the database. Murray said the listings were removed before any sales were completed, with the cooperation of both the Chinese government and Alibaba.

Three research institutions with legitimate access to the data were identified as the source of the listings, and their access to Biobank’s platform has since been revoked.

Murray stressed that this was not a conventional hacking incident but rather a case of authorised users misusing data they had been legally permitted to download. All further data access requests have been paused while security measures are strengthened.

Biobank confirmed that the exposed data had been anonymised and did not include names, addresses or NHS numbers, though it did contain gender, age, birth month and year, socioeconomic status and lifestyle details. Privacy experts have long cautioned that such combinations of information can be sufficient to identify individuals, particularly when matched against other publicly available records.

Biobank chief executive Sir Rory Collins issued an apology to participants and confirmed the organisation had suspended access to its research platform.

An interim measure restricting the size of files exportable from the platform was being put in place, though a comprehensive automated checking system was not expected to be fully operational until late 2026.

Biobank has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office, which has the power to impose fines of up to four per cent of an organisation’s annual global turnover for failures to protect personal data securely.

The Biobank database was established with government and charitable funding and holds more than 15 million biological samples and health records from volunteers recruited between 2006 and 2010. It is used by researchers worldwide in studies covering cancer, dementia and diabetes.

The breach has intensified concerns about Chinese access to Western health and genomic data.

A previous report found that one in five successful applications to access Biobank data came from China, including from researchers linked to BGI, China’s largest genomics company, which the United States has sanctioned over concerns its data collection activities support military surveillance programmes.

The U.S. has described bulk health and genomic data as a strategic asset that China collects for national security purposes.

It said unlike a compromised password, genetic data cannot be replaced.

UK Biobank Breach Exposes 500,000 Records On Alibaba is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Chelsea star, William Gallas, has tipped Diego Simeone as the ideal short-term fix for the club’s permanent manager role.

Gallas insisted that the Atletico Madrid manager has the winning mentality to win trophies quickly for the Blues.

The Frenchman stated this while speaking to Boyle Sport after Chelsea recently sacked Liam Rosenior as manager.

“For the long-term, Chelsea can bring in Cesc Fabregas because he is doing well with his club (Como) at the moment,” Gallas said.

“If you are thinking about the short-term, they need that experienced head to guide them like Diego Simone and with his personality, he can win things very soon with Chelsea.

“Maybe the Chelsea players need him too because we need to see more warriors and soldiers in the team after what they have shown us.”

EPL: He can win trophies – Gallas names coach Chelsea should appoint as permanent manager

Manchester City have held “positive talks” with former Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, over replacing Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola’s future at the Etihad remains a subject of intense speculation.

The Spaniard is now into the final months of his current contract with City.

The club’s hierarchy are now drawing up a succession plan, that could see a familiar face return to the Etihad Stadium.

According to The Guardian, Maresca has emerged as a leading candidate to take the reins.

This comes amid rumours that Guardiola will walk away this summer.

City remain optimistic that Guardiola will see out his contract until 2027, but they are taking no chances.

EPL: Man City in talks with Maresca to replace Guardiola

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), have called for professionalism in judicial reporting, warning that responsible communication between the media and the courts is critical to sustaining democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both officials were represented at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja on Thursday. The CJN was represented by Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), while the AGF was represented by Hussein Oloyede, his Special Assistant on Legislative Drafting. The conference had the theme: “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.”

Reading the CJN’s address, Justice Adejumo described the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional order, noting that judicial decisions only achieve full democratic value when properly understood by the public.

He acknowledged the pressures faced by journalists but warned that misrepresentation or sensational reporting could erode confidence in the justice system.

He also cautioned against what he described as journalists acting as “parallel courts” by reinterpreting judicial decisions, urging respect for formal legal processes and ethical boundaries in reporting.

Speaking from personal experience, Justice Adejumo recalled summoning newspaper editors to his court over a report he described as false, and warned that journalists who publish inaccurate stories about judicial proceedings risk contempt proceedings. “Before you publish any sensational news that may put you behind the bar for years, be careful,” he said. He added that lawyers who hold press conferences outside courthouses with journalists in tow would also face consequences.

On behalf of the AGF, Oloyede urged journalists not to give room to political actors trying to tear the fabric of the nation, warning that the media must not be used as a tool of division. “The media must remember that we need to have a country first before we can start talking about elections,” he said, adding that the government would not succumb to blackmail and that hate speech and incitement would not be tolerated in any form.

The CJN’s address further emphasized that electoral disputes would inevitably test democratic institutions, noting that accurate and balanced reporting would be essential in ensuring public trust in judicial outcomes.

The conference brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners, and journalists to examine the role of the judiciary and media in strengthening democratic governance.

We Need A Country First Before Elections — AGF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) have advanced efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation and border management, following high level engagements in Malaysia.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paid an official visit to the RMCD headquarters on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA) 2026.

The visit reflects growing economic ties between both countries, with Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rising significantly from N159.9bn in 2020 to N716bn in 2024, while total trade volume hit about N1.82tn over five years.

Adeniyi was received by the Director-General of RMCD, Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad.

They had discussions centred on customs modernisation, institutional collaboration, and improved border control systems aimed at enhancing efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Adeniyi stressed that the expanding trade relationship between Nigeria and Malaysia requires a more structured customs partnership.

He identified Malaysia as a key trading partner, noting that Nigeria imports products such as crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, machinery, and other industrial goods from the Asian nation.

He also emphasized the role of customs agencies in balancing trade facilitation with national security and economic protection.

“Despite long-standing trade relations, both countries acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework governing customs cooperation.”

He noted that to bridge this gap, the two sides need to initiate steps toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the framework of the World Customs Organization.

The proposed agreement is expected to enhance trust, streamline procedures, and promote reciprocal trade facilitation.

The meeting also featured presentations on Malaysia’s evolving border management strategy, including the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).

Adeniyi outlined the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other initiatives aimed at improving cargo clearance efficiency, reducing transaction costs, and boosting compliance.

Both parties emphasised the need for deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and the deployment of technology to tackle illicit trade and transnational crime.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernisation drive.

NCS noted that “outcomes from the engagement are expected to boost operational capacity, enhance trade facilitation, and reinforce border security in support of Nigeria’s economic growth.”

The Comptroller-General also met with officials at Nigeria’s diplomatic mission and defence office in Malaysia, commending their role in promoting national interests and supporting Nigerians abroad.

Nigeria, Malaysian Customs Synergise To Expand N1.8tn Trade is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former England manager, Fabio Capello, believes the Three Lions can not win the 2026 World Cup because they play with a lot of fear.

Speaking to the BBC, Capello also called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to ensure that the players are confident when the competition starts.

“Always the same, England arrive at the World Cup tired, and they play with fear,” Capello said.

“I remember the game against Italy, and then after 10, 15 minutes, they stopped playing. Long balls, and they played with fear.

“This is the problem for England – it’s tiring and fear. The manager, he has to cancel it.”

England are in Group L alongside Ghana, Panama and Croatia.

2026 World Cup: They play with fear – Capello rates England’s chances of winning trophy

The Jigawa State Government says it has begun early preparations for the 2026 rainy season by approving N353 million for emergency response equipment.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Hannafi Yakubu, made this known while briefing journalists on the state’s preparations ahead of the rainy season.

Equipment approved includes 20 motorised boats, relief materials and life-saving equipment aimed at reducing the impact of expected flooding in vulnerable communities.

Yakubu said the move followed early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which forecast severe flooding in 11 local government areas of the state, while some other areas may also experience dry spells.

According to him, the state government has approved the release of more than N353 million for the purchase of essential emergency response tools to boost preparedness and ensure swift action during disasters.

He added that approval had also been granted for the renovation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps so they can properly accommodate residents who may be displaced by flooding.

Yakubu explained that the 11 high-risk local government areas are under close surveillance, while relevant agencies have already begun preventive measures to reduce possible loss of life and property.

He further disclosed that 11 trucks loaded with food and non-food relief materials have been positioned for immediate distribution to affected communities if flooding occurs.

He urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to clear blocked drainage channels, avoid erecting structures on waterways, and cooperate with emergency officials to prevent avoidable disasters.

Jigawa approves N353m for flood preparedness ahead of 2026 rainy season

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun East Senatorial District have faulted the recent caucus meeting where Governor Dapo Abiodun was endorsed as the consensus candidate for the 2027 elections.

Recall that the endorsement was announced at Monday’s meeting held at Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode, where a former governor and senator representing the district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was allegedly denied access to the venue.

Daniel, in a viral video, was seen addressing his supporters, saying, “We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode. Therefore, if they do anything here today without my presence, it is an exercise in futility.”

However, at the end of the meeting, Governor Dapo Abiodun was announced as the consensus candidate for the senatorial district come 2027.

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday at a press conference held in Sagamu, the Director-General of the BATOGD movement, General Olumiyiwa Okunowo (Rtd), described the gathering as a mere “Governor Abiodun’s meeting” rather than a genuine caucus session.

He alleged that more than half of those in attendance were not qualified to attend a senatorial caucus meeting, arguing that the process was stage-managed to produce a predetermined outcome.

His words: “Of course, those who were appointed by the Governor have the democratic right to anoint whichever candidate they prefer, even if that person is their principal. However, using the name of the party to bait attendance at such events is what gives us concern. Most of the leaders, including our leader, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, were baited into attending the event under the guise of a Caucus Meeting of Stakeholders of the Ogun East Senatorial District.

“It was only upon arrival that many discovered that more than half of the people in the hall were not even qualified to attend a senatorial caucus meeting. Some of our members who were eminently qualified to attend, according to the notice of invitation, were told pointedly to leave the venue, with the explanation that ‘this is a DA show’ and could be attended only by loyalists of the Governor.

“We do not deny them their right to hold their own show, and we believe this must account for why our leader, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was denied access to a ‘DA show.’ No ill feeling, but they should have been bold enough to make the notifications clear about their true intention, rather than using the name of our great party to drag our leaders into ratifying a premeditated ‘show’,” he stated.

Also speaking, Tayo Onayemi, the Deputy Director-General of the movement, recounted how he was threatened at the meeting and told to leave or face consequences.

Onayemi said, “When they saw me, they established that the place was for Dapo Abiodun’s people, and they asked me to go out or there would be a problem.”

The movement also decried a heavy security “siege” by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on all roads leading to the residence of Gbenga Daniel on Wednesday, labelling the move as an act of “executive lawlessness” and a throwback to military-era tactics.

According to them, the security crackdown was a calculated attempt to disrupt their ongoing Community Assessment and Review Tour—a grassroots empowerment initiative that has already visited seven out of nine local government areas in the district without incident.

“We are deeply surprised by this turn of events, as we see no reason to warrant the deployment of armoured vehicles and detachments of security forces in their hundreds,” they added.

Meanwhile, they urged the party’s national leadership to intervene in the situation to prevent democracy from being trampled underfoot and reiterated the unanimous adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the consensus candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections in 2027, stressing that he has demonstrated the capacity to tackle the country’s challenges.

‘Assault on democracy’ – APC stakeholders frown at Ogun East consensus move

Rangers are targeting Ryan Alebiosu as a replacement for their captain, James Tavernier, DAILY POST reports.

Tavernier will leave the Gers at the end of the season after 11 years at Ibrox.

Alebiosu is reportedly on the club’s radar as a potential replacement for the 34-year-old.

The Nigeria international is known for his athleticism and pace.

The 24-year-old is a popular figure in Scotland, having spent time on loan with Kilmarnock and St Mirren in the past.

Alebiosu has impressed in his first season with Blackburn Rovers, contributing one goal and five assists in 40 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship.

He was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Transfer: Rangers interested in Super Eagles defender