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…due process was followed before his reinstatement – Speaker’s Spokesperson

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Cross River State chapter of the Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence has strongly condemned the reinstatement of Hon. Ovat Agbor, member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, by the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA).

Recall that the lawmaker who was suspended on 5th March 2026, was reinstatement on Thursday 9th April this sparked outrage as civil society groups say that due process was not followed.

The group accused Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem of failing to uphold moral standards in governance, describing the decision as “a serious contradiction to the moral standards expected of public office holders in the state.”

Dr. John Egon, State Publicity Secretary of the group, who spoke to Vanguard in Calabar on Monday, expressed concern that Agbor was recalled despite his earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse.

“Despite the lawmaker’s earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse, he has been recalled without clear evidence of accountability or justice,” Egon said.

He warned that such actions “risk diminishing public confidence in governance and weaken the ethical foundation upon which leadership should stand.”

The group described Agbor’s alleged conduct as “a grave abuse of office and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people.”

“Leadership must be anchored on respect for human dignity and the protection of citizens, not fear or coercion.

“Any individual who consistently demonstrates disregard for these values cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people,” Egon added.

In a statement signed by Dr. Egon, the group faulted Speaker Ayambem for presiding over and approving the reinstatement, saying it sends “a wrong signal that misconduct can be overlooked, thereby undermining discipline within the legislative arm of government and weakening public trust in the institution.”

It stressed that “public office is a position of honour that demands integrity, discipline, and a strong moral compass,” and warned that allowing such conduct unchecked “places a dent on the dignity of Cross River State and erodes the moral culture that binds the society together.”

The group noted that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is widely recognised for its commitment to moral virtues, discipline, and accountability, and cautioned that the reinstatement risks sending conflicting signals that could undermine the governor’s moral direction.

It called on civil society organisations, NGOs, and women’s rights groups to review the circumstances surrounding the lifting of Agbor’s suspension so that justice can be served.

Reacting to the criticism, the Speaker’s spokesperson, Mr. Matthew Okache, dismissed the protest, insisting that due process was followed.

“Agbor’s suspension was lifted by the House after serving suspension via the recommendation of a committee that was set up to dig into the matter,” Okache said.

The post C’River Speaker criticized for reinstating lawmaker accused of domestic violence appeared first on Vanguard News.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, has been formally charged with influence peddling and bribery following a multi-year criminal investigation that has rocked Spanish politics.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado issued the ruling on Monday, and Gómez is now set to stand trial.

The judge has charged Gómez with four counts: influence peddling, embezzlement, business corruption, and misappropriation, while dismissing a separate allegation of professional intrusion for insufficient grounds.

In his ruling, Peinado concluded that Gómez’s position as the Spanish president’s wife served “to influence” and allowed her “to access institutionally exceptional interlocutions,” and that she offered companies a competitive advantage by exploiting her proximity to the government.

The probe was opened in April 2024 to determine whether Gómez had exploited her position as Sánchez’s wife for private benefit, an accusation both she and Sánchez have consistently denied.

The initial complaints were filed by Manos Limpias, an organisation linked to far-right causes that has gained notoriety for politically motivated lawsuits, with Spanish law permitting such complaints even from parties not directly harmed.

Gómez came under scrutiny after right-wing outlets probed her ties to companies that received public funds, including Air Europa, a Spanish airline that received a €475 million pandemic bailout.

The sponsorship of the academic chair she co-directed at Madrid’s Complutense University was described by the judge as a “facade” for “concealed remuneration for future benefits” linked to the Spanish government.

The embezzlement charge centres on whether an official employed in the premier’s office, Cristina Álvarez, worked for Gómez during her past academic role at the Complutense University at the expense of her public duties.

The judge cited emails sent by Álvarez to third parties that “clearly seem to exceed her duties” and constituted “sufficient evidence,” arguing that the arrangement “could represent a diversion of public resources in favour of private interests.”

The path to Monday’s ruling has been far from straightforward. An earlier attempt by Peinado to send Gómez to trial on embezzlement charges was overturned on appeal in February 2026, with a higher court ruling that the move was “premature and lacks factual, legal and procedural grounding” and instructing the case to return to a preliminary investigation phase.

Just last week, Peinado notified the parties of a revised request to proceed with a jury trial, citing alleged embezzlement, influence peddling, and corruption, with Monday’s formal charging order following from that renewed push.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has long requested the dismissal of the case. The Prosecutor argued there were insufficient grounds for embezzlement and found nothing suspicious about the amounts Gómez earned for her work at Complutense University, approximately €34,000 between 2012 and 2022, of which €9,131 pre-dated Sánchez’s rise to power.

Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said the investigation had “embarrassed many citizens and judges” in Spain and warned that damage to the justice system’s reputation would be lasting.

The PSOE has attributed political motivation to the judge’s actions, with both Gómez and Sánchez maintaining her innocence and characterising the proceedings as politically driven.

The charges deepen political pressure on Sánchez, whose Socialist-led minority government has been shaken by multiple corruption probes ahead of a general election next year.

His brother David Sánchez is also under investigation over claims that his government position as a regional music director was created for him, and could face trial on charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, and misuse of public funds.

If the case proceeds to trial, as now appears likely, Gómez will face a jury, as required under Spanish law for serious offences including influence peddling and embezzlement.

She is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and no trial date has been set.

Spanish Prime Minister’s Wife Formally Charged With Corruption is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Premier League has confirmed that Anthony Taylor will referee Sunday’s crucial clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.

Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin, with Paul Tierney the fourth official.

John Brooks has been appointed to man the VAR and will be assisted by Stuart Burt.

The top two teams will face off at the Etihad, in a game that could decide the destination of the title.

Arsenal are still top of the log with 70 points, six ahead of City who have a game in hand.

A win for Pep Guardiola’s men will put them in pole position to topple the Gunners in the coming weeks.

EPL: Referee for Man City vs Arsenal title clash confirmed

By Edwin Philip, Lafia

Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have taken their protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State headquarters in Lafia, demanding the reinstatement of its national executives, said to have been removed from the electoral umpire’s portal.

Speaking during the protest today, the women leader of the ADC , Hajiya Hafsat Ibrahim,  said the party has no faction, as its national chairman is Sen. David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola as the secretary, stating that the removal of their names was done in bad faith and demanding the removal of the National Chairman of INEC.

“We are calling on the national chairman of INEC to resign because that is not what we are expecting from him. INEC should be impartial. Why should he interpret the court judgment to suit himself?”

“He even said that if we go to our national convention, he is not going to recognize our leaders because we are here to seek justice,” he demanded.

She added that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not the exclusive preserve of the few in power, emphasizing that they can watch as the country becomes a one-party state.

She said, “We must have a say in our country, this is our land, we don’t have anywhere to go to,  this is democracy, we can’t agree on a one-party system in Nigeria.

She, however, called on the international community to pay attention to the trajectory of democracy in Nigeria before it collapses into an autocracy.

“We have to defend ourselves, ADC belongs to all, including youth and women, and we are youth and women of Nigeria, that is why we come to the INEC office in Nasarawa State as youth and women of Nasarawa State to share our concern that what is happening in INEC is not supposed to be so,” she said.

According to her, if their demands are not met, they will return to the INEC office to occupy the place to drive home their demands peacefully in accordance with the law.

Reacting to their demands, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Shehu Wahap, who called selected protest leaders to the INEC premises, commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and promised to relay their concerns to the authorities.

He said the protesters’ actions are part of democracy and constitutional.

“In democracy, you don’t just have your say, but you must be part and parcel of the process. Thank you for all your demands on the National Chairman. Your peaceful protest is noted, your request is noted.”

“I am sure, just as you have done here, you have done the protest in the headquarters. I believe strongly that the due process of the law will eventually take its course, the law will take its course, and we will know where we will go from here.

He further commended them for keeping democracy alive and continued to demand that they keep it alive. He assured them that they should expect a good election not only in Nasarawa State but across the whole of Nigeria.

The post ADC Nasarawa protests at INEC office, demands Amupitan’s resignation appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Esther Onyegbula

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday dismissed as false a widely circulated message alleging an impending cult clash in parts of the state, assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm.
The Command, however, said it has intensified security presence across the affected areas, including Shitta, Akerele, Itire/Aguda, and Ishaga axis, to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said proactive measures were immediately taken following initial reports, with the deployment of personnel and operational assets to the identified locations and adjoining communities.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has directed sustained patrols, strategic positioning of officers, and increased visibility policing at all flashpoints.
“The areas are well secured, and adequate security coverage has been emplaced to deter any unlawful gatherings or activities,” the statement said.

The Command reassured residents of their safety, urging them to continue their lawful activities without fear, noting that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain fully on the ground to maintain peace and order.
It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could cause panic, advising members of the public to rely only on credible and official sources.

Residents were further encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or via designated emergency lines.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to sustain its efforts to ensure peace and security across the state.

The post No cult clash in Lagos, police intensify security in Shitta, others — CP Fatai appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Kaduna State Police Command has said it arrested no fewer than 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and rescued seven abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations across the state in March and April 2026.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he outlined the command’s achievements in its ongoing fight against violent crimes.

Muhammad said the operations, driven by intelligence gathering and strategic deployments, also led to the recovery of 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 50 rustled cows.

“Within the period under review, the Command recorded significant successes, particularly in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he said. “Through intelligence-led policing and the commitment of our officers, we have arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims.”

The police boss noted that among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally made Dane guns were recovered.

“On April 7, 2026, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Samaila Ilyasu and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he stated.

He added that two suspected kidnappers were also apprehended on April 11 in Makarfi LGA.

“The suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping activities, and investigations are ongoing,” Muhammad said.

The commissioner further disclosed that several informants aiding bandits were also arrested during the period under review.

“One Ali Usman, arrested on March 16 in Kachia LGA, specialised in supplying information to bandits. Similarly, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu were arrested for providing intelligence and logistics support, including illicit drugs, to criminal elements,” he said.

In a related development, the command intercepted a consignment of ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn.

“On April 1, 2026, operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects, who confessed to transporting the items to a fleeing accomplice,” the CP added.

Muhammad also disclosed that a notorious drug dealer identified as Mohammed Sani, popularly known as “Shanuna,” was arrested in Rigasa for alleged involvement in drug peddling, phone snatching, and gang-related crimes.

He said, “The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs.”

The police further recorded success in tackling cattle rustling, with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 20 stolen cows in Giwa and Soba LGAs.

Similarly, operatives apprehended two suspected kidnappers linked to criminal activities in Kubau LGA, while another suspect was arrested in Lere LGA for alleged involvement in kidnapping operations.

Muhammad added that 13 suspects involved in armed robbery, phone snatching, and thuggery were arrested in Rigasa following a coordinated raid.

“All the suspects confessed to their involvement in armed robbery, shop breaking, and other criminal activities,” he said.

The command also arrested four suspects linked to motorcycle snatching and recovered a stolen TVS motorcycle, while another suspect was caught with stolen construction materials from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium site.

“These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all law-abiding citizens,” Muhammad stated.

He assured residents that the command would sustain its operations until all criminal networks in the state were dismantled.

“We will not relent in our efforts until Kaduna State is safe for everyone,” he added.

The commissioner, however, appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible information.

“The cooperation of the public has been instrumental to these successes. We urge citizens to continue to partner with security agencies to build a safer society,” he said.

Muhammad also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership, and Governor Uba Sani for his support to security agencies in the state.

Police Arrest 41 Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Seven Victims In Kaduna is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed an amended nine-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai over alleged fraud, abuse of office and corruption.

The development emerged on Monday at the Kaduna State High Court, where the ex-governor was arraigned and his plea taken.

Lead counsel to the former governor, Ukpong Abang, told journalists after the proceedings that the prosecution amended the charges, dropping one of the earlier defendants and leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.

He disclosed that the defence team was served with the amended charges in court, a development he said stalled the commencement of trial.

“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed to hearing,” Abang said.

He added that the defence would study the fresh charges before responding.

“We will analyse the charges and make our position known. For now, there is nothing we can do until we have fully reviewed them,” he stated.

The trial judge, Darius Khobo, subsequently adjourned the case to Tuesday, April 14, for ruling on the bail application filed by the defendant.

In the charge marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/2026, the anti-graft agency accused El-Rufai of committing multiple offences during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

In one of the counts, the ICPC alleged that he induced the state government in 2016 to confer a benefit of N11bn on Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited for a light rail project said to have not been executed.

The commission further alleged in Counts Two and Three that the former governor used his office to approve and receive severance benefits of about N289.8m, far above the legally approved N20m.

In another count, El-Rufai was accused of dishonestly disposing of over $1m, said to be part of a World Bank loan to the state, contrary to the loan agreement.

The prosecution also alleged that he conspired with others now at large to offer inducement to federal investigators in a bid to compromise an ongoing investigation.

Other counts bordered on alleged breaches of procurement laws in the award of a multi-billion naira CCTV contract, conferring undue advantage on associates, as well as unlawful land allocations.

The ICPC had earlier arraigned El-Rufai alongside a businessman, Amadu Sule, on similar allegations, although the amended charge has now made the former governor the sole defendant in the case.

El-Rufai was in the custody of the commission from February 19 until March 28, when he was granted temporary release on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother.

The case continues on Tuesday with the court expected to deliver its ruling on his bail application.

Fresh Trouble For El-Rufai As ICPC Files Amended Nine-Count Charge is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

In posts viewed by outlets, the criminals said they gained access to Rockstar servers managed by a third-party cloud provider and would publish stolen material online unless paid a ransom.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State, on Monday, impounded two truckloads of substances suspected to be cannabis, weighing 7,245 kilogrammes, concealed in cartons of beer. The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Benin City on Monday. He said the first […]

A breakthrough in research could transform how colorectal cancer is detected. Scientists have developed a new stool test that identifies up to 90 per cent of colorectal cancer cases…