Free Speech Under Threat in Kaduna? Zango-Kataf LGA Chairman Accused of Using Police to Detain Julius Tagwai Over Facebook Post, Residents Allege Abuse of Power

Is freedom of expression being criminalised in Kaduna State? This question has sparked public outrage following the alleged arrest and detention of Julius Shehu Tagwai, a young resident of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, over a Facebook post critical of the handling of Christmas welfare packages.

According to community sources, Tagwai was invited to the Zonkwa Police Station on the evening of January 9, 2026, and went there voluntarily. However, residents claim that upon arrival, he was immediately taken into custody and detained without being informed of any specific offence. They allege that the arrest was carried out on the instruction of the Chairman of Zango-Kataf LGA, Mr. Bege Joseph Gaya, who was said to be the complainant.

The Facebook post in question reportedly expressed disappointment over the alleged non-distribution of Christmas packages said to have been provided by the Kaduna State Government for residents. Community members insist the post was peaceful and amounted to nothing more than the exercise of the constitutional right to free expression.

Matters reportedly escalated when Tagwai’s lawyer and younger brother arrived at the station to secure his release, only to be informed that he had already been transferred out of the division. The Divisional Police Officer allegedly disclosed that the transfer to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters was done on the instruction of the local government chairman.

On January 10, Tagwai was moved to the state police headquarters. His legal counsel later claimed that after examining the police file, no formal written complaint or recognisable criminal offence had been documented against his client. The lawyer further alleged that Tagwai was denied access to his mobile phone, preventing him from contacting family or legal representatives and leaving relatives unaware of his whereabouts for hours.

As of the time of reporting, Tagwai remained in police custody over an unspecified offence, triggering anger among residents who describe the incident as an abuse of political power and an attempt to intimidate critics and suppress dissent. Locals also referenced a similar recent arrest of another young man, Ayuba Black, raising fears of a growing pattern of targeting outspoken residents.

Human rights advocates have warned that arresting a citizen over an opinion, denying communication, and holding a person without clear charges may violate Sections 34, 35, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and freedom of expression.

Residents are now calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies to urgently investigate the matter and ensure accountability. Attempts to obtain responses from the local government chairman and the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Sowore Kept Screaming About Malami’s Corruption Since 2021’ — Deji Adeyanju Says EFCC Charges Validate Long-Standing Allegations Against Ex-AGF

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted strongly to the ongoing prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), saying the charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirm long-standing corruption allegations raised years earlier by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Speaking on Wednesday, Adeyanju said Sowore had consistently warned Nigerians since 2021 about what he described as Malami’s “brazen corruption” while he was still in office, but those warnings were largely ignored at the time. According to Adeyanju, the emergence of what he termed “receipts” from the EFCC now validates those earlier accusations and underscores the importance of sustained civic activism and accountability.
Adeyanju accused Malami of abusing public trust by allegedly amassing enormous wealth and acquiring multiple high-value properties across Nigeria during his tenure as the country’s chief law officer. He described the alleged actions as not merely isolated incidents but part of a deliberate and systematic effort to build a vast illicit empire, stressing that no public official should be allowed to operate above the law.
The activist called on anti-graft agencies to pursue the case thoroughly and without political interference, insisting that Nigeria cannot progress if powerful officials are allowed to allegedly loot public resources with impunity. He said the Malami case should serve as a strong warning to current and future office holders.
Malami is currently facing 16 criminal counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy, and unlawful acquisition of assets. Prosecutors allege that he, alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, used corporate fronts and proxies to conceal and launder funds totaling several billion naira between 2015 and 2025. The EFCC claims that at least 30 high-value properties worth an estimated ₦212.8 billion were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
Court documents further allege that the defendants used companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, and Meethaq Hotels Limited to disguise the source of funds deposited in various bank accounts and used to purchase luxury properties in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi. The alleged offences are said to violate Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and related laws.
The case has reignited public debate about corruption, free speech, and the risks faced by whistleblowers and investigative journalists, especially in light of previous defamation suits filed against Sowore and SaharaReporters over reports exposing Malami’s alleged lifestyle and asset accumulation.

US Denies Visas to Former EU Commissioner and Activists Over Alleged Social Media Censorship"

The U.S. State Department has imposed visa bans on five individuals, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and activists from the UK and Germany, accusing them of attempting to coerce American social media companies into censoring content. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the individuals as part of a coordinated effort to suppress American speech and firms. Breton and other affected parties rejected the allegations, calling the actions a “witch hunt” and an attack on free speech. The visa restrictions are part of the U.S. government’s stated effort to counter extraterritorial censorship and uphold American sovereignty in online platforms.

#USVisaBan #ThierryBreton #SocialMediaCensorship #FreeSpeech

Nigeria Police Force as Instruments of Intimidation: Yahaya Balogun Backs Sowore, Urges Tinubu to End Abuse of Power and Religious Manipulation

In a strongly worded opinion, writer Yahaya Balogun condemns the growing abuse of power within the Nigeria Police Force, describing the institution as an instrument of intimidation against ordinary citizens. Supporting Omoyele Sowore’s call for a total police overhaul, Balogun urges President Bola Tinubu to urgently address police misconduct, unlawful arrests, and collusion with dubious religious leaders. He warns that the misuse of law enforcement to silence critics, alongside the manipulation of religion for financial exploitation and control, threatens free speech, democracy, and national reform efforts. Balogun calls on the Inspector General of Police to restore professionalism, discipline erring officers, and ensure the police serve justice rather than oppression in Nigeria.

US Plans Mandatory Five-Year Social Media Check for All Foreign Visitors Under New Trump Policy

The Trump administration is proposing sweeping new entry rules that would require all foreign travellers—including Britons—to submit five years of social media history, email addresses, phone numbers, and detailed family information before being allowed into the United States. The plan, revealed in a notice published in the Federal Register, would make social-media screening mandatory for both visa and ESTA applicants. The new policy also seeks expanded biometric data collection, including face scans, fingerprints, iris scans, and possibly DNA. Rights groups have raised concerns as reports increase of travellers being denied entry based on phone content or online posts critical of President Trump. The proposal comes amid ongoing controversies over free speech, including clashes between the Trump administration, media figures, and institutions like Harvard University. A 60-day public consultation period is now open.

#USImmigration

#TrumpAdministration

#SocialMediaScreening

Fresh Assassination Plot Against Whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh in Anambra Prison Exposed as Global Rights Groups Demand His Release

Global human rights organisations have raised alarm over a fresh alleged plot to assassinate detained whistleblower Nnamdi Daniel Emeh inside Awka Correctional Centre. A weapon was reportedly smuggled into the prison with instructions to stage a fight and kill him, despite multiple court orders granting him bail for more than 18 months.
Blueprint for Free Speech and 20 other international groups have petitioned Nigerian authorities, demanding his immediate release, an independent probe into the threats, and accountability from the police whose investigation findings remain hidden.
Emeh, who exposed alleged extrajudicial killings and organ harvesting by Anambra police officers, continues to face prolonged detention, vanished court documents, and repeated obstruction of justice — even as he recently won an international whistleblowing award.


#NnamdiEmeh

#WhistleblowerProtection

#HumanRightsNigeria

US Reviews Ties With Tanzania Over Repression, Election Violence and Threats to American Citizens

The United States has announced a comprehensive review of its relationship with Tanzania, citing escalating repression of religious freedom and free speech, election-related violence, and threats to the safety of American citizens. In a statement, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott warned that recent actions by Tanzania’s government jeopardize decades of partnership, regional stability, and U.S. interests. Washington says ongoing human-rights abuses and barriers to U.S. investment have forced a reassessment of diplomatic, development, and security cooperation with Dodoma. Tanzania has yet to issue a response.

Nigerian Whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh Wins Global Prize While Detained for Exposing Police Organ Trafficking

Blueprint for Free Speech has honoured Nigerian whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh with a 2025 global Whistleblowing Prize, even as he remains imprisoned despite a court-ordered bail. Emeh, 26, exposed a notorious police-led organ trafficking and extortion ring in Anambra State, triggering international attention and investigations. After fleeing Nigeria, he was arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in 2023 and charged with offences civil society groups describe as fabricated retaliation. Despite meeting bail conditions, he has remained in detention for nearly three years amid alleged assassination attempts, court obstruction, and claims that implicated officers were promoted instead of prosecuted. Rights groups say the case exposes deepening impunity in the Nigerian security system and poses a critical test for whistleblower protection and rule of law in the country.




#NnamdiEmeh
#NigerianWhistleblower
#PoliceOrgantraffickingNigeria
#BlueprintforFreeSpeechPrize
#WhistleblowingAwards2025
#AnambraPoliceAtrocities
#ExtrajudicialKillingsNigeria
#InterpolRedNoticeNigeria
#WhistleblowerRetaliation
#HumanRightsAbusesNigeria
#AwkaCorrectionalCentre
#RULAAC
#PPLAAF
#PoliceCorruptionNigeria
#WhistleblowerProtectionAfrica
#NigerianJusticeSystemFailures

Federal Workers Forum to Protest at Ibadan Court, Demand Withdrawal of Charges Against Coordinator Andrew Emelieze

The Federal Workers Forum has announced a nationwide solidarity protest scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling for the immediate withdrawal of charges against its Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze. The group condemned what it described as a growing clampdown on free speech and activism in Nigeria. Emelieze, a prominent workers’ rights advocate, was previously detained and later rearrested in July 2025 for leading a peaceful protest. Supporters claim the prosecution is an attempt to silence lawful agitation. The Forum urged activists, labour groups, and human rights defenders to mobilize in solidarity and demanded that the Federal Government and DSS drop all charges while respecting constitutional freedoms.

The urump Threatens $1bn Lawsuit Against BBC Over Edited Documentary Clip.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion, claiming the broadcaster aired an edited clip that misrepresented his remarks and damaged his reputation.

In a letter sent by Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, the BBC was asked to retract what were described as “false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading, and inflammatory statements” in a Panorama documentary aired shortly before the 2024 U.S. election. The letter demands a “full and fair” retraction and compensation by Friday or face legal action in Florida.

“The BBC is on notice. PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY,” the letter reads.

A BBC spokesperson said the network is reviewing the letter and will “respond directly in due course.”

The documentary, titled Trump: A Second Chance?, faced backlash after an internal memo suggested Trump’s comments were edited to make it seem he directly encouraged the January 6 Capitol riot. In the aired clip, Trump is shown saying, “We fight like hell,” right after telling supporters, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol.”
The memo stated the “fight like hell” remark was actually made nearly an hour later, after Trump urged supporters to cheer for “our brave senators and congressmen and women.”

The controversy led to the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness. Trump welcomed the resignations on Truth Social, calling the officials “corrupt” and “very dishonest people.”

However, legal experts say Trump may struggle to win the case due to strong U.S. free speech protections. Media law scholar Kyu Ho Youm said he is “very doubtful” Trump would succeed, adding: “If there’s no actionable falsity, 1st Amendment law is irrelevant.”

BBC chair Samir Shah acknowledged the clip was misleading and apologized for the “error of judgement,” but denied claims of wider institutional bias.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has raised alarms over what he described as Nigeria’s steady slide toward dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement on Sunday, Atiku accused the government of muzzling free speech, warning that such actions erode the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic ethos. “It is a development that should trouble every…
The post Nigeria Sliding Steadily Toward Dictatorship – Atiku appeared first on New Telegraph.

Lere Olayinka Counters Sowore’s Court Claims, Says ‘Free Speech Isn’t a License for Defamation’

On Monday, October 6, 2025, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, reacted to a post by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding his ongoing legal battle with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore had earlier taken to his X handle to share updates from a court hearing involving himself, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter). The activist revealed that the companies were dragged into the case over alleged defamatory posts — one of which labeled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) a criminal.

According to Sowore, Meta’s legal representative appeared to side with the DSS during the hearing, sparking online discussions about freedom of expression and digital censorship in Nigeria.

In response, Olayinka fired back on his own X page, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not include making unfounded criminal allegations against individuals.

The online exchange reignited public debate about free speech, accountability, and Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly given Sowore’s history with the DSS following his 2019 #RevolutionNow movement.

As of now, neither side has escalated the matter further, but Nigerians are closely watching as the court proceedings unfold and the debate over digital rights continues.

Tunisian Man Sentenced to Death Over Facebook Posts Criticising President.

A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to death for allegedly insulting President Kais Saied and undermining state security through Facebook posts, his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights confirmed on Friday.

The ruling has been described as unprecedented in the North African country, where restrictions on free speech have tightened since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021.

The defendant, Saber Chouchane, a day labourer with limited education, was arrested last year after publishing online criticism of the president. 

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, said: “The judge in the Nabeul court sentenced the man to death over Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented ruling.” He added that an appeal has already been lodged.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue death sentences, the country has not carried out an execution in more than three decades.

Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, expressed disbelief, telling Reuters: “We can’t believe it. We are a family suffering from poverty, and now oppression and injustice have been added to poverty.”

The judgement has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with activists and citizens accusing authorities of attempting to silence critics through fear. Observers warn the ruling could intensify political tensions and further erode freedom of expression.

Since dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, Saied has faced mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, many of whom are imprisoned on various charges after being labelled “traitors” by the president.

Oscar Keana Threatens To “Get Rid” Of Sowore Over Tinubu Criticism, Urges Seyi Tinubu To Hand Him “Dirty Job”

A viral video has surfaced showing political jobber Oscar Keana issuing violent threats against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore after Sowore described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

In the clip, Keana repeatedly invoked Seyi Tinubu, urging him to either silence Sowore himself or hand over the “dirty job” to him and his men.

“If the police cannot do the job, we can do the job,” Keana declared, warning that he and his allies were prepared to “get rid” of the activist.

The video, laced with insults and accusations, saw Keana brand Sowore a “murderer” who allegedly misled youths during the #EndSARS protests, claiming his actions led to deaths in Lagos and Abuja.

The threats have sparked outrage online, with critics warning that such incitement endangers free speech and raises fresh concerns about political violence in Nigeria.

#Sowore #OscarKeana #Nigeria

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in Kathmandu after police opened fire on protesters opposing Nepal’s social media ban.

The crackdown erupted Monday as tens of thousands of mostly young demonstrators stormed the streets against the policy blocking Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Authorities defended the move, citing tech firms’ refusal to register locally, but protesters dubbed it the “Gen Z protest,” calling it an attack on free speech.

#Nepal #SocialMediaBan #Kathmandu

US Govt Revokes 6,000 Student Visas — State Department.

The US State Department says it has revoked more than 6,000 student visas since Secretary of State Marco Rubio assumed office seven months ago.

According to officials, the majority of the cancellations were linked to legal violations such as assault, DUI, burglary, overstays, and alleged support for terrorism. About 4,000 of the cases were specifically tied to breaches of US law.

The department did not disclose the nationalities of those affected, but Rubio has repeatedly signaled a tougher stance on students from China. He has also targeted student activists critical of Israel, accusing them of anti-Semitism, a charge they reject.

Rubio previously told reporters that he was revoking visas “daily,” vowing to act against what he described as “lunatics” opposed to US foreign policy interests The administration has faced pushback in some cases.

A judge ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent US resident who led pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, and Turkish graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk, detained after publishing a piece critical of Israel, was also freed by court order.

Rubio maintains that the government has the authority to revoke visas without judicial oversight, insisting that foreign nationals are not entitled to US constitutional protections such as free speech.

The governor further disclosed a $100 million offtake deal with the Saudi Export and Import Bank for livestock exports to the Middle East, noting that every part of the animal from meat to skin, hooves, and blood would be harnessed for value.

He added that the project will be supported by LNG-powered cold-chain trucks from Lagos, modernizing meat distribution and storage across the country.

The policy is expected to enhance meat quality, create jobs in Niger’s processing sector, and contribute to Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy away from oil. Bago also urged banks and investors to back such initiatives, warning that continued export of raw commodities would keep the country “perpetually broke.”

JUST IN: Peter Obi Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Labels It Abuse of Power

Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force.

Obi described the move as “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power,” stressing that the right to free speech and peaceful activism must be upheld in any democratic society.

He urged authorities to respect the rule of law, ensure Sowore’s immediate release, and guarantee that dissenting voices are not silenced through intimidation or unlawful detention.

#PeterObi #OmoyeleSowore #JusticeForSowore #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights

X Accuses UK Government of Overreach Over Child Safety Law

August 1, 2025 – X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has criticized the UK’s Online Safety Act, calling it an example of government “overreach” that could undermine free speech.

In a post via its Global Government Affairs account, X said that while the law’s aim to protect children from harmful content is “laudable,” its broad scope threatens to infringe on public expression rights.

X also slammed a new code of conduct and a UK police unit monitoring social media as duplicative and concerning for free speech.

The platform has begun implementing age verification tools, including AI-driven age estimation and ID uploads, to comply with new rules in the UK, Ireland, and the EU.

Platforms failing to meet standards set by Ofcom face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, and could be blocked in the UK.

The law has triggered privacy concerns, with critics warning of identity theft risks. In response, UK users have turned to VPNs, pushing VPN apps to the top of Apple’s UK download charts.

#OnlineSafetyAct #FreeSpeech #ElonMusk #UKDigitalRegulation

Brief: Katsina Residents Protest Bandit Attacks, Allege Police Crackdown on Peaceful Demonstrators

Residents of Bakori LGA in Katsina State held a peaceful protest over the weekend, demanding urgent government action against persistent bandit attacks that have resulted in deaths, injuries, and kidnappings.

Though the demonstration ended without violence or property damage, SaharaReporters learned that police have begun arresting participants and alleged organisers. Among those targeted is local social media personality, Anas Muhammad Game. While police reportedly missed him during a raid, his younger brother was temporarily detained.

The crackdown has sparked concerns over intimidation and the suppression of free speech. Locals are calling on human rights groups, the media, and concerned Nigerians to intervene, insisting their protest was lawful and driven by insecurity.

Efforts to get a response from the Katsina Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

"OUR DAUGHTERS ARE ALL MARRYING NIGERIAN MEN, BECAUSE OUR GUYS ARE SLOW" - KENYAN PRESIDENT LAMENTS

Kenyan President, William Ruto, has lamented the fact that Kenyan women have abandoned their men and are getting married to Nigerian men.

Ruto who made the remark humorously at a wedding ceremony, pointed to what he described as a noticeable trend of Kenyan women choosing Nigerian partners, and jokingly questioned why Kenyan men seem to be missing out.

He further suggested that Kenyan men may be falling behind in the romance department and need to sit up or all their women would be snatched by Nigerian men.

In a trending video on social media on Thursday, the Kenyan leader said:

“My daughter is married to a Nigerian, and this one is now married to a Nigerian.

“And our guys around; I don’t know, are you slow? I don’t know. We need to balance this scale because at this rate, we are going to have a brain drain from Kenya.


Ruto however, highlighted that the unions of Nigerian men and Kenyan women is a reflection of the strong and friendly ties between Kenya and Nigeria, suggesting that both nations should continue to build on this relationship.

“I think there is something between Kenya and Nigeria, we should pick it up further.


President Ruto also admitted that despite expressing support for his daughter’s union with her Nigerian husband, it was difficult at first to come to terms with her decision to marry a Nigerian.

“It is both an exciting and anxious moment. It is not easy as a parent to give away your daughter. It is much more difficult if you are giving away your daughter to Nigerians.

“It is much more difficult when you are giving your daughter to Igbos,” Ruto added jokingly.


Checks have revealed that one of Ruto’s daughters, June, tied the nuptial knot with a Nigerian, Dr Alexander Ezenegu, on May 27, 2021.

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