Sowore in Court Over Alleged False Posts Against Tinubu…. Activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has appeared in court to face trial over alleged false online posts against President Bola Tinubu. The Department of State Services (DSS) filed five charges against him, including cybercrimes, defamation and incitement. Authorities claim his publications were intended to mislead the public and provoke unrest, while Sowore maintains that his actions fall within press freedom and political expression.#Fintter news

Police Said I Won’t Return Soon”: Journalist Detained for Months Over Reports on Ebonyi Lawmaker Chinedu Ogah Investigative journalist and publisher Friday James Alefia has accused Nigerian police of detaining him for weeks over reports linked to Ebonyi lawmaker Chinedu Ogah. Alefia said armed officers arrested him in Lagos in September 2025, seized his gadgets, and held him across multiple facilities, including Abuja’s Abattoir, over alleged cyberstalking and false publications. He insists the reports were legitimate journalism. After months in detention, Alefia was granted bail on December 20, with trial set for January 27, 2026, raising fresh concerns about press freedom and abuse of cybercrime laws in Nigeria. #PressFreedom #JournalismUnderThreat #NigeriaNews

Suspected Political Thugs Storm Rivers State Hotel, Disrupt Live Arise News TV Interview With Ex-Commissioner During Night Attack Suspected political thugs on Friday night attacked a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcefully disrupting a live Arise News Television interview with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The incident occurred around 9:15 pm while the former commissioner was discussing the political situation in the state during a live broadcast. Eyewitnesses said the armed assailants stormed the hotel chanting in a local language, forcefully breaking into rooms, seizing phones, and causing panic as staff and guests fled for safety. The attackers reportedly searched specifically for Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the Arise News TV crew before locating the interview venue and issuing threats that forced the broadcast to be abruptly halted. Police officers later arrived at the scene following distress calls and escorted the former commissioner and journalists to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken. An Arise News TV cameraman disclosed that the attackers seized expensive broadcast equipment, including a Sony Z280 camera, tripod, and wireless microphones, before fleeing upon sighting security operatives. Dr. Nwibubasa, who confirmed his safety, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous sign for democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. As of the time of reporting, the Rivers State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident. The attack has raised serious concerns about press freedom, political intimidation, and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

Over 530 Journalists Imprisoned Worldwide in 2025, Including 4 in Nigeria – IFJ Report The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that 533 journalists and media staff were jailed globally in 2025, highlighting ongoing threats to press freedom. Detentions were largely related to professional activities, with China (136), Myanmar (49), Vietnam (37), and Israel (41 Palestinian journalists) recording the highest numbers. In Africa, Nigeria accounted for four imprisonments, while other countries affected included Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Cameroon. The report also noted 128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide during the year. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the situation as a global crisis, urging governments to protect journalists, bring perpetrators to justice, and support a UN convention ensuring journalists’ safety and independence.

128 Journalists, Media Workers Killed Worldwide in 2025 as IFJ Warns of Worsening Global Threat to Press Freedom At least 128 journalists and media workers were killed across the world in 2025, according to the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) final “Killed List” released on December 31. The death toll, which includes 10 women and nine accidental deaths, marks a sharp increase from the 122 journalists killed in 2024, highlighting what the IFJ describes as a worsening global trend against press freedom. The Middle East and Arab World recorded the highest number of casualties with 74 deaths, including 56 journalists killed in Palestine amid the Gaza war. Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, India, Peru, and several other countries also recorded multiple killings, while Africa saw nine work-related journalist deaths, largely linked to the conflict in Sudan. Reacting to the figures, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the deaths as a global crisis, calling on governments to protect journalists, end impunity, and support the adoption of a United Nations convention to guarantee the safety and independence of media workers worldwide.

Nigerian Police Forced To Release FIJ Journalist’s Wife And Nine-Month-Old Baby After Alleged Plot To Lure Reporter Husband For Arrest In Lagos The Nigeria Police Force has been compelled to release Adenike Atanda, the wife of a senior investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), along with her nine-month-old baby, following public outcry over their controversial detention in Ikorodu, Lagos State. According to FIJ, Adenike and her infant were arrested by police officers in the Owutu area on Monday evening and held for several hours at a local police station. During the detention, officers allegedly instructed her to contact her husband, Sodeeq Atanda, and falsely claim that their baby was ill in order to lure him back home. When the journalist arrived in the neighbourhood, police reportedly intercepted and handcuffed him before transporting him to the Force Headquarters Annex in Obalende, Lagos, where he was detained for hours and released shortly before midnight. Adenike and the baby were released immediately after her husband’s arrest. The incident is believed to be connected to an earlier police invitation issued to Atanda. As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command has not issued any official statement explaining the arrests, raising renewed concerns about police misconduct, abuse of power, and threats to press freedom in Nigeria.

Lagos Police Arrest FIJ Journalist Sodeeq Atanda’s Wife and Nine-Month-Old Baby in Ikorodu, Triggering Outrage Over Press Freedom The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly arrested Adenike Atanda, the wife of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter Sodeeq Atanda, along with their nine-month-old baby in Owutu, Ikorodu. According to FIJ, the arrest occurred on Monday evening after police officers tracked them to their neighbourhood, despite neither the woman nor the infant being journalists. As of the time of reporting, the police had not disclosed any offence committed by them, raising serious concerns about abuse of power, intimidation of journalists, and violations of human rights. The incident has sparked growing criticism over press freedom and law enforcement conduct in Nigeria.

Violent Protests Erupt Across Bangladesh After Killing of Youth Leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Media Houses Attacked and Hasina-Era Symbols Burned Bangladesh has been thrown into renewed instability following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose killing sparked violent nationwide protests. Demonstrators torched historic sites linked to Sheikh Hasina, attacked media organisations, blocked highways, and clashed with security forces, raising fears over press freedom and the country’s fragile post-Hasina political transition.

Amnesty International Exposes Unlawful Killings, Media Suppression, EndSARS Crackdown, And Other Human Rights Violations Under Late Buhari’s Administration Amnesty International has documented widespread human rights abuses during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who governed Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. The report alleges unlawful killings by security forces, extrajudicial executions of pro-Biafra activists, violent crackdowns on #EndSARS protesters, attacks on journalists, and abuses against women affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. According to the rights group, systemic failures in accountability and justice under Buhari’s leadership enabled these violations, leaving thousands dead and undermining press freedom and civil liberties nationwide.

President Donald Trump Sues BBC for $10 Billion Over Alleged “Serial Fake News” and Defamation in Edited January 6 Speech Documentary Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, accusing the British broadcaster of defamation and a pattern of “serial fake news” reporting. The lawsuit stems from a Panorama documentary that allegedly edited Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech, misleadingly portraying him as inciting violence. Despite a BBC apology and the resignation of its two top officials, Trump claims the broadcaster showed no genuine remorse or institutional changes. Legal experts note that Trump must prove actual malice under U.S. law, while the BBC maintains the edits did not create a false impression. The case has reignited global debate over media accountability, editorial integrity, and press freedom.

RSF: Israel Responsible for Nearly Half of Journalist Deaths Worldwide in 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of causing nearly half of all journalist deaths recorded globally in 2025. In its annual report, the group revealed that 67 journalists were killed between December 2024 and December 2025, with Israeli forces responsible for 43% of the fatalities—29 of them Palestinian reporters in Gaza. RSF highlighted a deadly “double-tap” airstrike on a Gaza hospital that killed five journalists, suggesting deliberate targeting. The organisation also noted that nearly 220 journalists have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in 2023. Outside the Middle East, Mexico, Sudan, and Ukraine remained dangerous for media workers. RSF further reported 503 journalists imprisoned worldwide as of December 2025, underscoring escalating threats to press freedom. #PressFreedom #RSFReport #JournalistSafety

IPI Blames Repeated Press Freedom Violations for Blacklisting Governors Bago, Eno, IGP Egbetokun The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over repeated attacks on press freedom and harassment of journalists. The decision, announced at the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, cited multiple incidents including the shutdown of an independent radio station, arrests and assault of journalists, and the expulsion of reporters. IPI said the officials’ actions undermine democratic norms and warranted their inclusion in its “Book of Infamy.”

Edo Civil Society Condemns Assault on Journalist, Warns Against Rising ‘Digital Slap’ Culture The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has condemned the alleged assault on journalist Mrs. Juliet Enabulele by suspended Public Safety Response Team coordinator, Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone). The group described the attack as a violation of human dignity, press freedom, and the rule of law, expressing concern that senior political figures in Edo State are normalizing violence through the celebration of so-called “digital slaps.” The coalition urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to distance his administration from the incident, ensure accountability, and uphold constitutional protections for journalists. The group also demanded a transparent investigation, an end to political glorification of violence, and stronger protection for media workers. This follows a similar incident in which APC leaders publicly celebrated and financially rewarded an assault on an APC critic in Manchester, UK. #Edojournalistassault #JulietEnabulele

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

2025 annual conference of the international press institute in Abuja. With the theme, addressing media repression in Nigeria, safeguarding press freedom and democratic accountability. Vice president Kashim Shettima, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, captains of media industries including heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation are in attendance. The event futures paper presentations, panel discussions and the launch of the IPI Nigeria Book of Infamy.

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

Imo Journalist Granted ₦2m Bail After 30 Days in Custody Over Alleged Defamation of Governor’s Aide Ejike Ogbonna, publisher of First Citizen Newspaper, has been granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court in Owerri after spending 30 days in detention at the Tiger Base Police Unit. Ogbonna, who faces allegations of cybercrime against a government official, was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million. The court also directed him to provide a surety with proof of landed property ownership within its jurisdiction and obtain the endorsement of a traditional ruler for the bail bond. Presiding Magistrate C. J. Uzoechi ruled that the case is bailable and adjourned the matter to October 3, 2025, for hearing. The journalist, who appeared in court in handcuffs, is facing a four-count charge of alleged cyberbullying, including claims of defaming the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, through a voice note circulated on social media. His detention and trial have triggered outrage among journalists in Imo State, who described the development as an attack on press freedom. They also urged the state’s police commissioner to restrain officers from being used by government officials to intimidate citizens. 📌 Source: SaharaReporters #ImoState #PressFreedom #BreakingNews

EXCLUSIVE: Emir Of Lafiagi Threatens Journalists Over Reports On Terrorist Attacks In Kwara North Journalists in Kwara State are facing mounting intimidation after the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, reportedly threatened them for consistently reporting terrorist and bandit attacks in Kwara North communities. Sources told SaharaReporters that the monarch summoned journalists to his palace on Sunday, warning them to stop publishing reports on insecurity, which he claimed were “embarrassing” Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. According to insiders, the Emir said he was acting on the governor’s directive and cautioned that journalists who defied the order risked arrest. The threat comes amid rising insecurity in Lafiagi, Patigi, and surrounding areas, where residents have endured repeated kidnappings, killings, and ransom demands by bandits. Journalists and media platforms including SaharaReporters, Nupeko TV, and Informant247 have previously accused the state government of attempting to silence coverage of insecurity. The development follows the detention of blogger Abdulsamad Oloyin, popularly known as “Yolo,” by the NSCDC last week over alleged defamation, further fueling concerns of a clampdown on press freedom in the state. Source: SaharaReporters #Kwara #PressFreedom #Insecurity

NRC MD Kayode Opeifa Accused of Assaulting Female Journalist The NUJ FCT Council has condemned alleged harassment of NTA reporter Ladi Bala by Nigerian Railway Corporation MD, Kayode Opeifa. Bala was covering the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment when Opeifa allegedly disrupted her livestream, verbally abused her, and ordered security to eject her. NUJ demanded an immediate public apology, calling the incident “an affront on press freedom and democracy,” and vowed to pursue accountability. #PressFreedom #MediaRights #NigeriaNews #NUJ

Deji Adeyanju: Buhari’s Govt Jailed Me in 2019 to Stop Me From Voting Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has recounted how the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly imprisoned him in 2019 to prevent him from voting in the general elections. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Adeyanju said he was arrested and detained in Kano State prison by Buhari’s government for openly opposing his rule. In 2019, Buhari did not allow me to vote. He arrested me and locked me up in prison in Kano so that I couldn’t cast my ballot, Adeyanju said, describing the move as part of a broader effort to silence dissent. Adeyanju explained that his ordeal was a direct consequence of his consistent opposition to Buhari, whom he had warned Nigerians against electing as president back in 2015. I said Buhari’s mob would suppress freedom of speech and expression. They would drive Nigeria into autocracy and mediocrity — and that was exactly what happened. I was vindicated, he added. The activist said his detention was not an isolated case, noting that many critics and activists also faced harassment and arrests during Buhari’s tenure. He maintained that the 2019 experience only strengthened his resolve to speak out against politicians he considers a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, he has since extended the same energy he used in challenging Buhari to scrutinizing other political figures, including Peter Obi and his supporters.