Soyinka Slams ‘Private Battalion’ Escorting Tinubu’s Son, Warns of Dangerous Misuse of Security Forces

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has sparked nationwide debate after criticising the massive security convoy assigned to President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, describing it as large enough to “crush” the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic. Speaking at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos, he condemned the concentration of heavily armed operatives around one individual while Nigeria battles widespread insecurity. Soyinka warned that the misallocation of security resources highlights distorted national priorities and threatens public safety. He also criticised Nigeria’s involvement in Benin’s failed coup, warned about the dangers of misinformation, and condemned ongoing demolitions in Lagos. As public scrutiny intensifies, the Presidency has yet to respond.

IPI Nigeria to Immortalise Late Treasurer With University Endowment Prize*

The International Press Institute (#IPI) Nigeria has promised to endow a prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in honour of its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami.

In a statement on Friday, IPI Nigeria said, the prize to be endowed will be to instil in students of the institution the values that the late Treasurer stood for.

The President of the body, Musikilu Mojeed, confirmed the decision during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting on December 2, 2025.

Salami, the then Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), died on December 20, 2024, just days after the first annual conference and AGM of IPI Nigeria, where she participated actively despite being ill.

Speaking on her death in his welcome address at the second annual conference and AGM, Mojeed requested members and guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to observe a one-minute silence in her honour.

He said: “Last year, even in severe pain and confined to a wheelchair, she insisted on attending the conference.

“She greeted guests, co-ordinated logistics, took photographs with her phone and served with grace until her body could no longer carry her.

“Her commitment was a reminder that Journalism is not merely a job; it is a calling.

“It demands sacrifice; It demands conviction.”

Mojeed said: "to honour her legacy, the National Committee of IPI Nigeria will endow a prize in her name at the University of Abuja, which was her alma-mater.

He added: “We will work with the University to ensure that every year, young Journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by— integrity, courage, and selfless service.”

When she died last year, Salami was eulogised by the IPI; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where she had served as Secretary; her employer, VON and colleagues.

The late Salami began her career with VON as a News Editor and correspondent in Lagos.

She rose through the ranks to become VON’s Assistant Director in charge of Digital Media before her demise.

IPI Blacklists Niger, Akwa Ibom Governors and IGP Egbetokun for Media Repression in Nigeria



The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as top offenders of media repression. Announced during the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, the blacklist cites persistent harassment of journalists, unlawful shutdowns of media houses, and breach of press freedom across both states. Rights groups have repeatedly condemned the governors and police chief for actions seen as attacks on independent journalism.



#PressFreedom

#MediaRepression

#IPINigeria

News Central has opened a new state-of-the-art studio in Abuja, enhancing its ability to report political and human-interest stories in real time. The move strengthens the network’s commitment to credible, people-centred African journalism. @benakede reports.

Canadian Court Upholds Deportation of Nigerian Pastor Over Fake Documents and bribery.

A Canadian federal court has refused to review the asylum denial of Nigerian pastor Lucky Bidemi Olorunfemi, ruling that the documents he submitted were fraudulent and tainted by bribery infractions that cleared the way for his deportation.

In a judgment delivered on October 16 in Toronto, Justice McHaffie upheld an earlier decision by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), which found that Olorunfemi’s supporting evidence lacked credibility and appeared doctored.

The self-proclaimed pastor from Akure, Ondo State, had applied for refugee status in 2023, claiming his pro-LGBTQ stance and tolerance for gay members made him a target of “Muslim Jihadis” who allegedly burned down his church and hunted him in 2022.

To back his story, Olorunfemi tendered four documents a newspaper report, a police invitation letter, his wife’s medical report, and a wanted poster purportedly issued by the “Odoua Peoples Congress.” But the RPD described the materials as “riddled with spelling and grammatical errors,” and resembling “brown envelope journalism.”

Justice McHaffie noted that the supposed OPC poster contained several blunders including misspellings of “Oodua” as Odoua and “Yoruba” as youruba and even identified Olorunfemi under a different name.

The court also flagged contradictions in the Nigerian’s testimony, including his claim of poor English proficiency despite speaking fluently during the hearing.

“The only fact established in his case was that he is Nigerian,” the judge said, dismissing his appeal for review.

Tears and Tributes as Arise TV Anchor Sommie Maduagwu Laid to Rest in Anambra

The remains of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, a beloved Arise TV news anchor, were laid to rest amid deep sorrow in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Sommie tragically lost her life in September 2025 following a violent armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence — a heartbreaking incident that shook the media community. Her burial took place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, following a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

The ceremony drew family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who paid his last respects to the late journalist.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie urged the bereaved family to take comfort in faith, describing Sommie as “a woman of purpose and virtue” whose life, though short, left a meaningful impact.

In his emotional tribute, Peter Obi lamented her passing as “a painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.” He said,

“Before leaving Birmingham yesterday, I told my companions I was returning home for the burial of one of my daughters.”
He urged Nigerians to remember her family in their prayers and honor her memory with love and hope.


Sommie’s death has left an unfillable void in journalism and among all who admired her professionalism, warmth, and grace.

Source: PUNCH

Tinubu Approves 959 National Honours.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the conferment of 959 national honours and endorsed far-reaching reforms to strengthen the funding framework of the Nigeria Police Force.

Understands that the President made the approvals while presiding over marathon meetings of the National Council of State and the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the sessions, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Emanso Umobong, said Tinubu endorsed the report of the National Honours Award Committee covering 2024 and 2025, alongside special awards already bestowed since January 2025.

“The award of titles of honour and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event at which the President honours deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity,” Umobong said.

She explained that the committee, chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for national honours and 135 special awardees, bringing the total to 959 honourees.

According to Umobong, Tinubu had in the past year honoured individuals and groups such as Bill Gates for contributions to public health, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, and the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for sporting excellence.

Others include the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, recognised posthumously for environmental activism, and outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, celebrated for his decade of service to Nigeria’s democratic process.

She confirmed that the updated list of awardees would soon be published.

Popular Arise news anchor killed in Abuja.


Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu has been killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday.

Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie among colleagues and friends, was 29 years old.

Born on December 26, 1995, she had distinguished herself as a talented news anchor, reporter, and producer, celebrated for her eloquence, professionalism, and dedication to impactful journalism.

Before venturing into broadcasting, Maduagwu trained as a lawyer — a background that gave her reporting and analysis exceptional depth and intellectual rigour.

In a statement confirming her death on Monday, the management of Arise News described the loss as a devastating blow to the organisation and the journalism community.

“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the Arise News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu,” the statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi read.

“Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.”

Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Nigerian Police Threaten Journalists In Kano, Detain Reporter Over Facebook Post

The Kano State Police Command has come under heavy criticism after detaining and threatening Abdulaziz Aliyu, a journalist with Waraka TV, over a Facebook post, while also attempting to discredit the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) for condemning the harassment.

Aliyu said he was lured to the police station under false pretences.

“A police officer who identified himself as CSP Sabo called me, claiming I was linked to a stolen phone investigation. But when I got there, it turned out to be about a Facebook publication I made,” Aliyu explained.

He was reportedly detained for more than two hours at the Court Road Area Command in Gyadi-Gyadi on September 9, 2025, before being released on bail around 10pm with instructions to return the next day.

The post in question was linked to a Hausa historical programme aired on Karama Radio about Sarkin Zazzau Malam Jafaru Ɗan Isiyaku, ruler of Zazzau from 1937 to 1959, which was also shared on Waraka Online TV.

Following the incident, ASKOJ condemned the growing harassment of journalists, warning that press freedom was under siege.

“The increasing cases of police invitations and detentions of journalists across the country are deeply worrying and must be condemned. Journalism is constitutionally recognized, yet some individuals intoxicated by power see it as a threat and use state resources to intimidate and harass journalists,” ASKOJ chairman Yakubu Salisu stated.

However, the Kano Police Command denied detaining Aliyu, insisting he was only “invited” following a written complaint. Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa further accused Salisu of misinformation and threatened legal action, adding that neither Aliyu nor Salisu were registered members of the NUJ.

Despite the denial, journalists and rights activists in Kano view the police response as a threat and attempt to silence the press.

Source: SaharaReporters

#PressFreedom #Kano #NigeriaPolice

FG Unveils New Secondary School Curriculum with Journalism, Programming, AI Modules— Starting from September 2025.

Nigeria has introduced a new secondary school curriculum that will, for the first time, feature modules in journalism, computer programming, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and fact-checking.

Dada Olusegun, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, revealed excerpts from the yet-to-be-released curriculum document on Tuesday.

According to the framework, journalism will now be taught under the English Language module at the senior secondary level, while programming will span both junior and senior classes. AI and robotics will be integrated into a new subject, Digital Literacy, for senior students.

The reforms aim to equip learners with skills for a technology-driven world, while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

Subject Breakdown:
• Junior Secondary (JSS 1–3): Mathematics, English, Integrated Science, Digital Literacy & Coding (including Python basics, Scratch, and robotics kits), Social Studies, Languages (mother tongue and French/Arabic), Creative Arts, and Physical & Health Education.
• Senior Secondary (SS 1–3): Advanced Mathematics, English & Communication (including journalism and fact-checking), Sciences, Technology & Innovation (programming, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, data science), Social Sciences, Languages (with options for French/Arabic/Chinese), Creative Arts & Media, Physical & Health Education, and a final-year research project.

Education experts have welcomed the overhaul, describing it as a step toward preparing Nigerian students for global competitiveness in the knowledge economy.

FG Unveils New Secondary School Curriculum with Journalism, Programming, AI Modules— Starting from September 2025.

Nigeria has introduced a new secondary school curriculum that will, for the first time, feature modules in journalism, computer programming, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and fact-checking.

Dada Olusegun, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, revealed excerpts from the yet-to-be-released curriculum document on Tuesday.

According to the framework, journalism will now be taught under the English Language module at the senior secondary level, while programming will span both junior and senior classes. AI and robotics will be integrated into a new subject, Digital Literacy, for senior students.

The reforms aim to equip learners with skills for a technology-driven world, while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

Subject Breakdown:
• Junior Secondary (JSS 1–3): Mathematics, English, Integrated Science, Digital Literacy & Coding (including Python basics, Scratch, and robotics kits), Social Studies, Languages (mother tongue and French/Arabic), Creative Arts, and Physical & Health Education.
• Senior Secondary (SS 1–3): Advanced Mathematics, English & Communication (including journalism and fact-checking), Sciences, Technology & Innovation (programming, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, data science), Social Sciences, Languages (with options for French/Arabic/Chinese), Creative Arts & Media, Physical & Health Education, and a final-year research project.

Education experts have welcomed the overhaul, describing it as a step toward preparing Nigerian students for global competitiveness in the knowledge economy.

Wike’s Aide Lere Olayinka Criticizes Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni Over FCT Ground Rent Claims

Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again criticized Arise TV journalist Rufai Oseni, accusing him of poor journalism practices and bias against the minister.

In a detailed post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Olayinka explained that all payments to government are processed through REMITA, not via cash or direct bank transfers. He broke down the procedure, noting that payees first receive a Remita receipt and later a treasury receipt from the relevant agency. According to him, journalists investigating complaints about ground rent or land disputes should always demand proof of payment before reporting such matters publicly.

He further noted that under the Land Use Act, government authorities have the power to revoke a Certificate of Occupancy if ground rent is left unpaid, stressing that Oseni failed to check whether such conditions applied before making his criticisms of Wike’s administration.

Olayinka, however, went beyond technical clarifications and directed personal remarks at the journalist. He alleged that Oseni lacked proper journalism training, accused him of bias, and mocked his frequent focus on Wike.

In his words, Olayinka argued that Oseni’s commentary lacked professionalism, suggesting that he should seek formal journalism training to improve his craft. He also insinuated that the journalist was more concerned with attacking Wike than addressing issues objectively.

The comments have sparked strong reactions online, with supporters and critics of both men weighing in on the escalating dispute.

Nigerian Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba Rejects ‘Forced’ Police Apology, Alleges Torture

Lagos-based journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, has rejected an apology letter she says was coerced by police under torture and harassment.

Ogujiuba described her 3-day detention without food, phone seizure, intimidation, and physical abuse, raising alarm over press freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria.

She insisted she was innocent of alleged cyberbullying and defamation, noting that multiple outlets published the same court documents cited in the case.

The International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) condemned her treatment, warning it undermines democracy and urging the police to follow due process instead of harassment.

#PressFreedom #Nigeria #Journalism

FIJ Website Hit By Cyberattacks After Exposing Illegal NIN Data Sales, Attack Linked To NIMC

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has come under coordinated cyberattacks days after publishing investigations that exposed the illegal sale of Nigerians’ National Identification Number (NIN) data.

According to FIJ, its website suffered a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack on Thursday, briefly knocking it offline. Technical analysis revealed a single IP address launched over 50,000 requests in one hour, with traces linked to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) headquarters in Abuja.

The attack came after a series of FIJ investigations uncovered multiple platforms—NINPrint, NINCard, nimcverify.ng, and IloTech—illegally selling Nigerians’ personal data for as low as ₦150 per record. In some cases, FIJ was able to buy the records of prominent Nigerians, including Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Despite NIMC’s mandate to safeguard national identity data, FIJ reported that the agency failed to act against these companies for months, even when aware of their activities. Following FIJ’s publications, however, the illegal websites were shut down within days.

FIJ said the DDoS attack highlights an attempt to silence investigative journalism and shield entrenched interests.

#CyberAttack #DataPrivacy #Nigeria #FIJInvestigates

Abiola’s Wife, Doyin, Is Dead.

Wife of the Concord Publisher and winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Moshood Abiola, Doyin, has passed away.

Naija News learnt that the eminent journalist died at 9.15 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

According to the Nation, Doyin’s death resulted from an illness.

Doyin was the former managing director and publisher of National Concord.

She was also the first Nigerian woman to be an editor of a Nigerian daily newspaper.

Like the numerous wives of the late Abiola, Doyin endured the storm and stress triggered by the annulment of the historic poll and the tribulations that followed on the home front and in Concord.

Doyin Abiola attended the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. After graduation, she started working with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and also wrote a column in the newspaper called ‘Tiro,’ which addressed sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters.

In 1970, Doyin left Daily Sketch Newspaper and travelled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree programme in Journalism. Upon her return, she was employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. She later attended New York University and obtained a PhD in communications and political science in 1979.

After Doyin’s Ph.d. programme, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the editorial board, where she worked with other experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. However, it was to be a short stay as the newly formed National Concord newspaper invited her to be its pioneer daily editor.

FG Knocks US Embassy for Overstepping Bounds, Intruding in Internal Affairs.

Officials of the Federal Government has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of overstepping its diplomatic bounds and interfering in the country’s internal affairs, following the circulation of a critical media report targeting Nigerian leaders.

Government officials expressed outrage over the U.S. Mission’s alleged role in promoting an article published by The Africa Report, which criticised state governors for lavish spending on new government buildings in Oyo and Gombe States.

The report, it is understood, drew backlash in Abuja, with senior sources accusing the U.S. Embassy of encouraging a “smear campaign” under the guise of press freedom.

“The embassy’s actions are not only inappropriate but violate diplomatic norms,” a senior government official told reporters. “They have crossed the line into political interference.”

The Federal Government defended the governors mentioned in the article, describing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe as models of fiscal discipline. Officials said both governors have maintained responsible budgeting, improved public services, and met workers’ salaries regularly.

Sources also alleged that the article was influenced by personal motives. According to them, the publisher of The Africa Report had earlier approached the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for sponsorship of an “Africa Roundtable” event but was turned down. The rejection, officials claim, led to strained relations and eventual negative coverage — now reportedly circulated by the U.S. Embassy.

“This isn’t journalism. It’s retaliation disguised as reporting, and the U.S. Mission’s role in spreading it is unacceptable,” a government source said.

The government pointed to Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which bars foreign missions from interfering in the domestic affairs of host countries. Officials say the U.S. Embassy’s recent actions clearly violate this principle.

ARMY HEADQUARTERS ON RESPONSIBLE REPORTING IN ARMED CONFLICTS / COMBAT OPERATIONS

The Army Headquarters department of civil military affairs is Strengthening Ethical Reporting and Strategic Communication in Counter-Insurgency and Civil-Military Relations.

This came to the fore at the training for defence correspondents in Abuja

The focus is to ensure responsible reporting during military operations, understanding national security sensitivities, and foster collaboration between the media and military in times of crisis.

At a time when misinformation can spread quickly and impact national security, this collaboration between the Nigerian Army and defence correspondents is a vital step in fostering ethical journalism one that supports Nigeria’s security objectives while respecting press freedom.

International humanitarian law that governs the conducts of God armed conflict especially civilians and Nigeria acceding to the Geneva treaty but not domesticating the additional protocols of the convention was an eye opener as to restrictions in rules of engagements

Soyinka, Osoba, Fashola, Olu of Warri, others grace Uncle Sam’s 90th birthday.

Some of Nigeria’s most revered statesmen, media icons, public figures, and political leaders gathered to celebrate legendary journalist and publisher, Sam Amuka, as he marked his 90th birthday in Lagos, with tributes pouring in for his contributions to journalism and national development.

Leading the roll call of dignitaries were Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Chairman of ThisDay/ARISE Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

"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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