FG Plans Social Media Regulations, Age Restrictions To Safeguard Children Online

The Federal Government is considering new measures to protect children online, including age restrictions and enhanced social media regulations. Bosun Tijani, the Supervising Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, said on Monday that while the internet offers valuable opportunities for learning, creativity, and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data, and emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence tools. “As Nigeria explores policy options to safeguard children online, including age restrictions, improved age verification, platform accountability, and stronger regulatory oversight, it is crucial that public input is included to ensure policies reflect national priorities, uphold children’s rights, and align with Nigeria’s digital realities,” Tijani stated. He called on parents, educators, young people, and digital professionals to share their perspectives through a survey designed to shape evidence-based policies. The Ministry emphasized that any adopted framework must balance national interests with children’s rights while addressing the country’s fast-evolving digital landscape. Nigeria has seen rapid growth in internet and social media use over the past decade, largely driven by increased smartphone adoption and expanding mobile broadband networks. According to Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), over 40 million Nigerians now spend an average of six hours daily on social media.

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Federal Government Knows Every Terrorist By Name And Location – Sheikh Gumi

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has stated that Nigerian authorities are fully aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across the country. He made the remark during an interview on DRTV while responding to accusations that he maintains close contact with bandits and terrorists or speaks on their behalf. According to Gumi, his engagements with such groups were not done secretly or independently, stressing that security operatives were always involved whenever he visited them. “The government knows every terrorist by name and location. I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police, military, and other security agencies. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest. I even went with women into the bush,” he said.

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FG Files Fresh 12-Count Charge Against Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged UK Property Fraud

The Federal Government has instituted a fresh 12-count charge against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over his alleged role in a scheme linked to the disputed ownership of a property in the United Kingdom. The new charge, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, accuses him of forgery and aiding the commission of an offence. According to the charge, the government alleged that in 2020, Ozekhome conspired with Ponfa Useni, also known as Tali Shani, and the late General Jeremiah Useni to carry out an unlawful act. He was accused of facilitating the creation of a forged Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 bearing the name Tali Shani. The prosecution claimed the passport was presented as having been issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and was intended to support a claim over a property located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom. The alleged act was said to contravene Section 96 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and is punishable under Section 364 of the same law. The charge further stated that Ozekhome allegedly assisted in cheating by personation through the joint execution of an irrevocable power of attorney dated May 30, 2020, alongside Tali Shani, described as a fictitious individual. The document was allegedly used to advance the claim to the UK property, in violation of Sections 83, 84, and 321 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and punishable under Section 322. In Count 9, the government alleged that the senior lawyer assumed control of the UK property, which authorities suspect was unlawfully acquired by the late General Useni under the false identity of Tali Shani. Count 10 further accused him of receiving £18,000 in rental income generated from the said property within the period under review. The late General Useni, who was alleged to have impersonated the fictitious Tali Shani, was listed as the second defendant in the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The fresh charge was filed shortly after the same high court dismissed an earlier three-count charge brought against Ozekhome by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

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FG Denies Paying Ransom For Niger State Schoolchildren, Calls Reports False

The Federal Government has rejected claims that it paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State. In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the allegations as “completely false and baseless,” warning that such reports undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel. The statement addressed reports circulating via international wire services, which alleged that the government paid a large ransom and released militant commanders to secure the children’s freedom. It firmly denied the claims, saying no ransom was paid and no militants were released. “These allegations constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily,” the statement said. “While we respect press freedom, narratives based on unnamed sources that aim to discredit a sovereign government are rejected outright.” The government noted that the reports relied entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” contradicting official denials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Assembly leadership. The statement also highlighted inconsistencies in the reports, including the claim that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents and confirmed across borders, which the DSS dismissed as “fake and laughable.” It emphasized that the safe rescue of the pupils, with no casualties, was the result of professional intelligence operations and careful planning, not ransom payments. The government called on media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid encouraging criminal activity or undermining troop morale. “Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise, and the Federal Government remains fully committed to security,” the statement concluded.

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FG Orders Immediate Closure of Plateau Mining Site After 37 Miners Die

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the deaths of 37 miners. The directive was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Wase LGA Chairman Hamisu Anani reported that 37 miners died while 25 others were hospitalized in the early hours of Tuesday. The victims were exposed to toxic gases while working in an underground section of the Zurak site. Alake identified the area as part of Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China. He said the closure was necessary to contain the situation and allow a full investigation. A team of officials, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, has been deployed to investigate the causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions. The team includes experts in mining operations, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives. The minister is personally coordinating efforts to manage the situation. “The actions were taken as preliminary reports indicated that the company ceded the pit where the incident occurred to the community following villagers’ demands for empowerment,” Alake said. He explained that the site was an abandoned lead mine with minerals prone to emitting sulphuric oxide. Unaware of the dangers, villagers reportedly extracted the minerals while inhaling the poisonous gas. Alake provided the coordinates of the affected area, noting it lies between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40. He assured that updates would be shared as the investigation continues and extended his condolences to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, calling the tragedy “an unfortunate incident of death of innocent citizens trying to earn a living.”

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We’ll Flush Out Bandits If FG Gives Approval — Sunday Igboho

Yoruba nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has signalled his readiness to work alongside the Federal Government to combat insecurity in the South-West. Speaking in Ibadan, he said he and his supporters are willing to enter forests across Yorubaland to dislodge bandits and other criminal elements, but stressed that such action would require formal approval and backing from Abuja. “I need the support of the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South-West. I’m ready to enter the forests in Yorubaland with my boys to flush out terrorists who have been attacking our people in rural communities. “We can’t do anything if the Federal Government does not give us approval or support. With my freedom and pardon, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to rid our forests of criminal elements and rogue herders who have become threats to the peace and tranquility of some of our communities.” Igboho, who has previously led community-driven efforts against suspected criminals in parts of Oyo State, described his offer as a contribution toward restoring safety in rural areas. His latest position marks a notable shift from his earlier standoff with federal authorities. In July 2021, security operatives raided his residence in Ibadan over allegations of stockpiling arms. The operation resulted in the death of three of his aides and the arrest of 13 others. He later fled the country and was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, before regaining freedom in March 2022 after over a year in detention. Since returning to Nigeria on January 26, 2026, Igboho has reconnected with traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja. He also acknowledged the roles played by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Francis Alao, in facilitating his return. Reaffirming his stance, he said the administration of President Bola Tinubu must formally endorse any collaboration. “If the Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu gives us the go-ahead and support, I am absolutely ready to work in ensuring the effective security of our rural communities in the South-West. We have the capacity and manpower to carry out the task if we get approval and support from the government.” Beyond security in the South-West, Igboho also weighed in on developments in the South-East. He commended the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, for cancelling the long-running Monday sit-at-home directive. “Igboho believes that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful.” He further advised Kanu to pursue dialogue with the Federal Government as a pathway to resolving his legal challenges. “Chief Igboho urges the IPOB leader to vigorously explore dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in his ordeal.” According to Igboho, meaningful engagement and negotiation remain key to restoring peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.

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DisCos Push Back Against Adelabu’s Order to Provide Free Prepaid Meters Over Cost Concerns

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have raised concerns over the federal government’s directive that prepaid electricity meters be provided to all customers free of charge, citing uncertainties over who will cover the costs of the meters and their installation. The directive, issued by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Thursday, barred DisCos and meter installers from collecting any payment from consumers for prepaid meters. Officials and installers found violating the order were warned of possible prosecution. Adelabu emphasized the unprecedented nature of the directive, saying, “Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime. It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector.” However, operators from several DisCos, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH that the directive does not clearly explain how the costs will be funded. They noted that the government expects the DisCos to bear the cost of the meters, with a plan to recoup expenses over a ten-year period. “Those meters have to be paid for by someone, and the government expects the DisCos to cover the cost of the so-called free meters, payable over 10 years,” one operator said. “When you ask the DisCos to fund any capital expenditure, it must be allowed in tariff computations; otherwise, it will make their balance sheets unsustainable.” The operators also raised concerns about installation costs, pointing out that meter installers are not employees of the DisCos. “Meter installers are independent. If consumers are not paying them, who covers their fees? The DisCos do not install meters; that responsibility was removed during Babatunde Fashola’s tenure as power minister,” the source explained. They added that while the directive is well-intentioned, forcing DisCos to cover all costs without clarity could create financial strain. “If the government can pay the installers directly, that would work. But expecting DisCos to volunteer for this is unrealistic,” the operator said. The DisCos’ reaction underscores the practical challenges of implementing free prepaid meters and the need for a clear funding framework to avoid disrupting electricity distribution operations.

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Tinubu Declares Era Of ASUU Strikes Over, Pledges Lasting Stability In Tertiary Education

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is over, assuring that his administration is committed to lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. He made the statement during the 56th convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he was represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The president emphasized that the cycle of prolonged academic disruptions will be replaced by sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and timely implementation of agreements. “Since the beginning of my administration, we have seen two uninterrupted academic sessions across our tertiary institutions. This is the result of firm political will, ongoing dialogue, and responsible leadership,” Tinubu said. He highlighted that, under his direct oversight, the federal government recently signed a new agreement with ASUU, resolving a long-standing dispute that had previously undermined confidence in Nigeria’s university system. “This milestone ensures industrial harmony and a predictable academic calendar. It restores the dignity of learning and signals the end of perennial strikes in our universities,” he added. The president also outlined key initiatives introduced by his administration, including the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for students, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for university workers, and other programs aimed at strengthening the education sector. He stressed the need for universities to produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating jobs and driving innovation. “My administration will continue to implement reforms for a technology-driven education system, including curriculum restructuring, quality assurance, skill-based learning, and fostering innovation-led problem solving,” Tinubu said. UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola praised the university Senate, staff, and stakeholders for their dedication, and congratulated the graduates and their sponsors. She encouraged the graduates to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute positively to society.

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