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A group of Awka indigenes in Anambra State, under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Awka, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, over alleged abuse of police powers.

The group accused operatives of the Anambra Police Command of meddling in a decades-long land dispute between the Awka community and their neighbour, Nibo, which had been decided by a court.

In the petition to the IGP, which was signed by the coordinator, Mr Sunday Ezebunamadu, the group condemned what it called arbitrary arrests by police in the matter involving Chief Kenneth Afamefuna Ezekwesili of Umuike village, Awka.

The petitioner disclosed that the claimant to the disputed parcel of land, Chief Ezekwesili has been serially hounded by his co-claimants from Nibo, using police operatives from the Anambra Command, who they suspect to have been compromised.

They lamented that such actions are likely to cause communal war between both communities, when in essence, the police should be a neutral body which should promote peace.

Parts of the petition read: “We, the concerned citizens of Awka in Anambra State, respectfully bring to your attention a matter of grave concern involving alleged abuse of police powers and arbitrary interference in a long-standing land dispute.

“Police officers are taking sides in a civil land dispute already decided at appellate court. We think the law enforcement actions were being used to frustrate enforcement of valid court judgments.

“If these allegations are true, they represent a serious deviation from the constitutional role of the police, which is to maintain peace and not to adjudicate land ownership disputes.

“The people of Awka believe strongly in the rule of law. Allowing court decisions to stand without unlawful interference is essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.”

Awka indigenes petition IGP over alleged abuse of powers by police operatives

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), zone 12, Bauchi, has intercepted a dangerously overloaded vehicle conveying passengers seated on top of piled goods, along the Bauchi–Kari route, in the Darazo Unit Command.

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ohaeri who described the action as a reckless endangerment of human lives, also said that the vehicle was in blatant violation of safety regulations.

He said that the development represented a grave safety breach, as the passengers were completely exposed to fatal risks in the event of a crash, sudden braking or loss of control.

According to him, overloading goes beyond a mere traffic offence and constitutes a life-threatening decision with potential fatal consequences.

”Overloading compromises vehicle stability, increases stopping distance, and puts both passengers and other road users in grave danger.”

The CPEO stressed that such practices significantly heightened the risk of road crashes and fatalities, warning that no journey was worth the loss of human life.

He urged drivers and vehicle owners to strictly comply with prescribed loading limits, insisting that human beings must never be treated as cargo under any circumstances.

Ohaeri reaffirmed the corps’ resolve to intensify enforcement against traffic violations and ensure the safety of all road users nationwide.

FRSC Intercepts ‘Dangerously’ Overloaded Vehicle In Bauchi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Adamu Oyanki, has survived a car crash along the Keffi–Akwanga highway on Monday.

Pictures indicate the lawmaker’s vehicle which was evacuated to the Assembly complex in Lafia was badly damaged in the incident.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, accompanied by other lawmakers, visited the assembly complex to inspect the wrecked vehicle following the incident.

Reacting, Jatau described the crash as unfortunate but expressed gratitude that no life was lost.

“We thank Almighty God for saving the life of the Deputy Speaker from the auto crash. We are grateful that he is alive and safe,” he said.

There were no immediate details on the cause of the accident as of the time of filing this report.

Nasarawa Assembly Deputy Speaker involved in car crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stated that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out precise airstrikes within the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest, leading to the killing of several terrorists on Monday.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the military has sustained intense pressure on terrorist elements in the North-East.

According to him, “The operation followed credible intelligence corroborated by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, which confirmed the presence of active terrorist elements within fortified structures and bunkers.”

He stated that NAF air assets engaged the targets with precision munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and eliminating key logistics facilities, as confirmed by subsequent battle damage assessments.

He added that the sustained tempo of air operations continues to degrade terrorist networks, leaving them increasingly exposed and disrupted, with mounting pressure forcing them into desperate and reactive actions.

The statement also quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as reaffirming the NAF’s resolve to sustain relentless, intelligence-driven air operations until terrorist elements are completely neutralised.

He stated that the NAF remains committed to the protection of its personnel, the security of the nation, and the safety of all citizens.

He further noted that the NAF would continue to intensify precision engagements across the theatre, maintaining decisive operational pressure while adhering strictly to rules of engagement and minimising civilian harm.

NAF insists on precise airstrike in Sambisa

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has again criticized former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott for comparing the 2008 Manchester United team to the current Arsenal side that is competing for the title.

In January, Walcott caused some excitement among Manchester United fans by asking Wayne Rooney before Arsenal’s Champions League match against Inter Milan if the 2008 Manchester United team could keep up with Mikel Arteta’s 2025/26 Arsenal squad.

Rooney did not hold back in his reply, saying his unstoppable United team of 2008 would ‘batter’ the current Gunners squad.

Evra, however, was even more direct when first asked about his thoughts on Walcott’s interaction with Rooney.

The ex-defender said Walcott was drunk when he tried to compare both teams and told him to stop commenting as a pundit.

During a recent conversation with former United teammates Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, Ferdinand mentioned Walcott’s comments.

In response, Evra joked about leaving the show and said, “That’s the problem with Arsenal. Now he’s (Walcott) comparing this team to our 2008 team.

“I believe he is a threat to society. He should not be in the TV. Like comparing… No, he’s dangerous for the kids. That’s why I keep saying they are delusional.”

The Frenchman remembered one of his old videos where he strongly criticized the Gunners, saying their title race was like a Netflix show.

“And I know I speak from the heart, but they are acting on false beliefs,” he continued. “This is disrespect. He should never be on TV again if he starts asking questions like that.”

EPL: ‘This is disrespect’ – Evra slams Walcott for comparing 2008 Man United to Arteta’s side

The Rivers State Government has invited the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, to address public concerns over child right violation involving an autistic child who he gave out in marriage, to ensure compliance with state laws.

This was contained in a statement signed by Martha Igbiks, Head of Media Unit Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, dated 21, April, 2026.

The meeting was convened with the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Rivers State Branch, led by its Chairperson, Tamunouemi Life-George, (Esq)., in attendance, following recent reports linked to the clergyman’s children’s homes.

Speaking after the closed-door session, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies Dimpka explained that the actions of the OPM General Overseer though done in good faith, breached existing laws.

“So as a faith-based organization, he’s doing some things that are actually done in good faith but not knowing that those things are not in tandem with the law”, she stated.

“For example, we’ve given him some instances of actions he has taken recently on social media,she said.

Davies Dimpka cited the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, the Persons with Disabilities Act as well as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, as the basis for the ministry’s position.

The Permanent Secretary however commended OPM’s General Overseer for honouring the ministry’s invitation and willingness to align with government regulations, urging other faith-based and private institutions to ensure their childcare activities comply with the law.

She maintained that all individuals and organisations operating children’s homes or orphanages in the state must obtain proper registration and approvals from the ministry.

In his response, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, admitted his actions, saying he was unaware he needed to register his orphanage and get approval to house minors.

He pledged immediate compliance with the Permanent Secretary’s directives and described the engagement as “an eye-opening”
In his words; “this meeting opened my eyes because there were some things I was doing that I didn’t know were wrong.

I am very happy that I now know the right thing, and I’m going to do the right thing,” he stated.

The Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation says the meeting forms part of its ongoing enforcement of the Rivers State Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, aimed at protecting vulnerable children across the state.

Rivers Govt Meets OPM Founder Over Alleged Child Rights Breach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, or any other opposition candidate cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Kalu said, “They can’t defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. The opposition parties are very weak and the APC is a moving train.”

The former Abia State governor, who spoke with journalists at the National Assembly lobby on Tuesday, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) already commands 15 million votes.

The 15 million votes the APC chieftain reference might as well be a veiled attempt to downplay the combined votes of over 14 million won by Atiku, Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in the 2023 presidential election.

President Tinubu, who also contested that election won with over eight million votes.

Atiku contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi contested on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), while Kwankwaso contested on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The three political heavyweights have now formed a working alliance on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The ruling party is reported to be uncomfortable with the working alliance among Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso, given their scores in the 2023 election.

Details shortly….

JUST IN: 2027: Atiku, Obi Can’t Defeat Tinubu Says Kalu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Apple Inc. on Monday announced that Tim Cook will step down as chief executive officer later this year, ending a 15-year tenure that transformed the company into a $4 trillion technology giant.

Cook will be succeeded by John Ternus, the company’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, with the transition set to take effect on September 1, 2026.

Cook, who became CEO in 2011 following Steve Jobs, will transition to the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board while remaining in his current position through the summer to ensure a smooth handover.

The company said the decision followed a “thoughtful, long-term succession planning process” approved unanimously by its board of directors.

In a statement, Cook expressed gratitude for his time leading the company, describing it as “the greatest privilege” of his life.

During his tenure, Cook oversaw the launch of major products and services, including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, while expanding the company’s services business with platforms such as iCloud, Apple Music and Apple TV+.

He took over leadership at a critical moment after Jobs’ death in 2011, inheriting a company closely tied to its co-founder’s legacy, and went on to lead it through a period of sustained growth and global expansion.

Ternus, who joined Apple’s product design team in 2001, is widely regarded as a key figure in the company’s hardware development.

As part of the transition, Johny Srouji is expected to take on expanded responsibilities in hardware engineering.

Apple shares dipped slightly in after-hours trading following the announcement, though analysts remained largely confident in the company’s future direction.

The leadership change marks one of the most significant transitions in Silicon Valley in recent years, as Apple enters a new phase amid growing competition and rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

Tim Cook Steps Down As Apple CEO After 15 Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A 22-year-old woman, Azeez Khadijat, has been taken into custody by detectives from the Omu-Ijebu Divisional Headquarters in Ogun State over her alleged involvement in the repainting of a suspected stolen Suzuki minibus.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the operation followed actionable intelligence.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday, April 19, at about 4:00 p.m., after reports that three men and a woman were spotted in a bush along Ikhasi Road, Kajola, via Omu, repainting a Suzuki minibus, popularly referred to as “Korope,” which had no registration number.

Investigations indicated that the vehicle, originally painted yellow, was being changed to white and blue in what authorities believe was an attempt to conceal its identity.

Acting on the information, detectives were swiftly deployed to the location. However, upon sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind the suspect, who was arrested inside the vehicle.

The minibus was recovered and taken into custody at the police station. It was later identified as having a Lagos State registration number.

A search of the area also led to the recovery of several items believed to belong to the fleeing suspects, including three mobile phones, a power bank, a paint container, sandpaper, and a Type-C charging cable.

Preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle may have been used in criminal operations in Lagos State, with the repainting intended to alter its appearance and avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining suspects, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, assuring that all those involved in the crime would be apprehended and brought to justice.

Police arrest woman over repainting of stolen minibus in Ogun

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to remarks by Atiku Abubakar, who described him as a “decent” but “inexperienced” leader.

Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the comment during an interview on Arise TV, where he attributed some of the challenges faced during Jonathan administration to a lack of adequate leadership preparation.

Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, ARCAN, awards ceremony in Abuja, Jonathan did not directly mention Atiku but addressed the criticism.

He said, “So not too long ago, a very senior politician said Jonathan was too young and that was why he made mistakes.

“If I made mistakes, yes nobody who becomes a governor or President will say they did not make mistakes. All human beings must make mistakes.

“Must I be 100 years before I run the affairs of the state?

“If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate that process.”

Jonathan became Nigeria’s President after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

‘No President will say he did not make mistakes’ – Jonathan replies Atiku over ‘inexperienced’ remark