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.

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

SERAP Gives Niger Governor 48-Hour Ultimatum Over Badeggi FM Shutdown

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, demanding the reversal of his administration’s closure of Badeggi FM 90.1 in Minna.

Governor Bago had ordered the shutdown, licence revocation, and profiling of the station’s owner, accusing it of unethical broadcasting and incitement. SERAP described the move as unlawful and a threat to press freedom, urging the governor to reinstate the station’s licence and guarantee staff safety.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the action, calling it an abuse of power and insisting that only the National Broadcasting Commission has the authority to revoke broadcast licences.

Nigeria NewsBREAKING: Nigeria Is A Democracy, Not A Private Estate – ADC Fires Gov.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the recent authoritarian actions by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State.

Naija News recalls that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State had ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital.

This was communicated in statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that Bago gave the directive during the expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Government House.

He stated that the Governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to shut down the media outfit.

In a statement to Naija News, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said that this development reveals a disturbing pattern of executive overreach, disdain for constitutional rights, and a steady erosion of democratic norms under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that Governor Umar Bago’s decision to shut down Badeggi FM “with immediate effect” is nothing short of a brazen assault on press freedom and a clear violation of the rule of law in a manner reminiscent of military dictatorship.

The full statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is greatly concerned about the growing dictatorial tendencies among the state governors of the ruling party, APC.

“We recall the recent public statement made by the APC Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, declaring the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a leading member of the coalition movement persona non-grata in Edo State.

“Now this: Another APC Governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umaru Bago, has just announced a clamp down on a private radio station in the state, with “immediate effect” in a manner reminiscent of the worst form of military dictatorship.

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

"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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“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