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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"WITHOUT ME, TRUMP WOULD HAVE LOST THE ELECTION"- ELON MUSK

According to vanguard newspaper, in a striking statement that further deepens the ongoing rift between two of America’s most high-profile figures, Elon Musk claimed on Thursday that former President Donald Trump would not have won the U.S. presidential election without his influence. The remark, made on Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has reignited speculation about the nature and extent of the billionaire entrepreneur’s political involvement in recent years.



“Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” Musk wrote in a brief but pointed post. “Such ingratitude.” The Tesla and SpaceX CEO did not provide specifics about which election he was referring to, nor did he elaborate on the kind of support he believes he extended to the former president. Nonetheless, the post immediately drew widespread attention, generating reactions across the political spectrum and among Musk’s vast online following.

The statement follows a history of shifting dynamics between Musk and Trump. Although Musk was never officially part of Trump’s administration, he served on several advisory councils during the early part of Trump’s presidency before stepping down in protest of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. In recent years, Musk has occasionally expressed views that align with conservative or libertarian positions, particularly around free speech and regulation, especially after acquiring X in 2022 and rebranding the platform to emphasize open dialogue.

However, the relationship between the two has been anything but consistent. While Trump has praised Musk’s business acumen in the past, he has also criticized him publicly. Musk, on his part, has oscillated between mild support and stark criticism of Trump, especially in the context of U.S. politics and election integrity. Thursday’s post is the most direct assertion yet by Musk that he played a decisive role in Trump’s political fortunes — a claim that could raise eyebrows among political analysts and historians alike.

Political commentators have been quick to dissect Musk’s claim, with some suggesting it might refer to indirect influence, such as shaping public opinion on social media or encouraging voter turnout among specific demographics. Musk's platform, X, has played a major role in political discourse in recent years, with its algorithm and policies influencing the visibility and reach of political messages. Some observers argue that changes Musk implemented after acquiring the platform may have benefited conservative voices, but concrete evidence linking those changes to electoral outcomes remains a matter of debate.


The former president has yet to respond to Musk’s comment as of Thursday evening. However, the latest statement from Musk adds a new chapter to their complex rapport and could impact Trump’s efforts to consolidate support ahead of upcoming elections. If Musk continues to assert political influence, it may also shape future interactions between major tech leaders and political figures, particularly at a time when the role of digital platforms in democracy is under intense scrutiny.

As the fallout from Musk’s remark unfolds, many will be watching to see whether it leads to a broader discussion about the intersection of wealth, technology, and political power. While some view Musk as a champion of innovation and free speech, others remain wary of the growing influence tech billionaires exert over democratic institutions. Whatever the case, his claim on Thursday is a reminder of how personal dynamics and public platforms can intertwine to create moments of political drama that capture the nation’s attention.

“Who Are You, Sir?” – Deji Adeyanju Slams Pastor David Ibiyeomie Over Threats to Journalists

Activist Deji Adeyanju has publicly criticized popular clergyman Pastor David Ibiyeomie after a viral video showed the pastor threatening to arrest bloggers and journalists who speak negatively about him or his church.

In the video, Pastor Ibiyeomie warns media professionals to “watch their mouths” when speaking about men of God, saying he’ll personally ensure their arrest if they cross the line. His remarks stirred controversy, prompting Adeyanju to respond sharply.

“Who are you, sir, that people can’t talk about your church or criticize you?” Deji asked in a social media post.

“You are not above scrutiny. This is a democracy, not a theocracy. Everyone — including pastors — must be open to public accountability.”

Adeyanju’s reaction reflects growing concern over freedom of expression and press rights in Nigeria, especially when influential figures attempt to silence critics.

Many Nigerians have since joined the conversation, defending the role of the media and condemning any form of intimidation against free speech.

⸻

#DejiAdeyanju #DavidIbiyeomie #FreedomOfSpeech #PressFreedom

“Nothing Democratic About Tinubu’s Government” — Lawyer Inibehe Effiong Slams Crackdown on Free Speech

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly condemned the Bola Tinubu administration, accusing it of undermining democratic values through continued attacks on free speech and dissent.

Effiong, known for his vocal stance on civil liberties, stated that the government’s handling of critics and online voices reflects a growing intolerance for accountability and public discourse, warning that democracy is being dangerously eroded under the current regime.

His comments have sparked renewed conversations about press freedom and civil rights in Nigeria.

#InibeheEffiong #TinubuGovernment #FreeSpeech #DemocracyInDanger #NigeriaPolitics #HumanRights