Nigeria News (Standard)
IPI Urges Nigerian Authorities to Halt Arrests of Journalists Amid Security Disputes
Press freedom group cautions that detaining reporters worsens tensions, calls for dialogue on national security coverage
Press freedom group cautions that detaining reporters worsens tensions, calls for dialogue on national security coverage
The International Press Institute (IPI) has called on Nigerian authorities to stop the arrest and detention of journalists in disputes over national security reporting. The global press freedom body made this appeal on Thursday, stressing that government crackdowns on media workers in Nigeria threaten freedom of expression and undermine efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
According to IPI, recent incidents where journalists have been detained or harassed by security agencies in different parts of Nigeria have sparked concern among media stakeholders and human rights advocates. The institute argued that such actions not only violate constitutional guarantees but also damage public trust in government institutions.
The call from IPI comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with a range of security issues across several regions, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency. Media organisations have faced increasing pressure over their coverage of these topics, with journalists sometimes accused of endangering national security or spreading misinformation. IPI warned that targeting journalists undermines the critical role the press plays in informing citizens and supporting democratic governance.
In a statement issued Thursday, the IPI insisted that authorities should address any perceived infractions through legal and transparent channels rather than resorting to arrests. “The arrest or intimidation of journalists is not the solution to disagreements between the media and security agencies,” the institute said. The group also urged government officials to engage with media representatives in constructive dialogue aimed at balancing national security concerns with press freedom.
IPI concluded by urging relevant agencies to respect due process and uphold Nigeria’s obligations under both its constitution and international law. The institute advised that fostering an environment where journalists can work freely is vital for public accountability and national development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Officer Woos Threatens Legal Action Over Viral NAFDAC Drug Trafficking Allegation in Lagos
Comedian’s lawyers demand public apology within 48 hours, citing Nigerian defamation and cybercrime laws
Comedian’s lawyers demand public apology within 48 hours, citing Nigerian defamation and cybercrime laws
Popular Nigerian skit maker, Jubril Oladapo Gbadamosi, known as Officer Woos, has threatened legal action against individuals behind viral social media claims alleging his arrest by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over drug trafficking. The incident, which trended widely on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), reportedly originated from anonymous posts accusing Officer Woos of importing cocaine-laced bread and brownies from Mexico to Lagos in 2025.
Officer Woos, through his legal representatives Versed Attorneys, described the allegations as entirely false and fabricated. In a formal statement released on Thursday in Lagos, his lawyers stated that Gbadamosi has never been arrested, investigated, or charged with any drug-related offence by NAFDAC or any other authority. The legal team further accused the originators of the rumour of orchestrating a “deliberate and malicious campaign” aimed at damaging their client’s reputation.
The controversy gained momentum after a tweet on 18 June 2026 claimed that Officer Woos had been detained by NAFDAC since 2025 for alleged drug trafficking. The post also suggested he stopped creating content to focus on a supposed bread business. However, Versed Attorneys firmly refuted both claims, clarifying that Officer Woos has not made any announcement regarding the death of an associate or changed his professional activities due to legal trouble.
According to the statement signed by his legal counsel, “Our client categorically denies the said publications in their entirety and demands an immediate and unconditional retraction from all pages, handles, and individuals responsible for the publication and circulation of these false statements.” The lawyers warned that failure to issue a public apology within forty-eight hours would trigger civil proceedings for damages under Nigerian defamation law and petitions to relevant law enforcement agencies under the Cybercrimes Act.
The case highlights growing concerns over misinformation targeting public figures on social media in Nigeria. While neither NAFDAC nor any regulatory body has issued any official comment on the incident as at press time, Officer Woos’s legal team insisted they would pursue all available remedies should defamatory content continue to circulate. Nigerians have been urged by the lawyers to disregard unverified claims online and rely only on credible sources.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Edo Police Arrest Kidnap Gang, Recover ₦4.5 Million and Weapons in Benin City Abduction
Governor Okpebholo pledges special courts for kidnapping cases after suspect claims security chief supplied firearms
Governor Okpebholo pledges special courts for kidnapping cases after suspect claims security chief supplied firearms
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected members of a kidnapping gang in Benin City, recovering over ₦4.5 million in cash, firearms, and a Lexus SUV following the abduction of a woman at the city’s Vegetable Market on 14 June. The operation, which led to the death of one suspect during a gun battle, was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika on Thursday.
According to police accounts and video evidence from the scene, the gang—comprising four men—carried out a daylight attack using an RX 350 Lexus SUV. They targeted a parked vehicle at the market, shooting its tyre before dragging out two occupants. While the male victim managed to escape, the female was pursued and eventually abducted by the attackers.
One of the suspects, Marvellous Isaac (32), told investigators that his group sourced their weapons from a community security chief in Oredo Local Government Area identified as Liberty. Isaac claimed that fellow gang member Precious—who was killed during police operations—facilitated contact with Liberty and that the security chief received ₦1.5 million from the ₦8 million ransom paid by the victim’s family. Isaac also said that firearms rented from Liberty were used by multiple groups in Benin City.
Commissioner Agbonika stated that intelligence-led efforts by the command’s Intelligence Response Team led to several arrests and the recovery of ₦2.25 million cash believed to be part of the ransom, another ₦2.25 million from crime proceeds, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and the SUV used in the abduction. He confirmed that investigations into alleged internal sabotage and collusion among local security personnel are ongoing.
Governor Monday Okpebholo (APC) commended security agencies for their swift action during a briefing on Thursday and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting kidnapping and violent crime in Edo State (South-South). The governor announced plans to establish special courts dedicated to handling kidnapping and cultism cases for faster prosecution and sentencing. The state government says it will also review community security structures following allegations against local chiefs.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti State Records High Deployment of Voting Materials, Security Ahead of 2026 Polls — Yiaga Africa
Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.
Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.
Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, has reported a significant deployment of voting materials and security personnel across various local government areas in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election. The group stated that this increased deployment was observed in several parts of the state as at the weekend.
According to Yiaga Africa, the distribution process for sensitive and non-sensitive election materials commenced early, with most polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Oye, and other LGAs receiving their allocations before midday. Security operatives—including police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel—were also stationed at key distribution centres to ensure safe passage and prevent disruptions.
The high level of preparation comes amid heightened public interest in the Ekiti governorship contest, which observers say is a litmus test for Nigeria’s South-West zone ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yiaga Africa noted that timely deployment is critical to minimising delays that have previously marred voting processes in the region.
In its preliminary assessment, Yiaga Africa described the logistics so far as “commendable” but urged authorities to sustain momentum through to election day. “Early arrival of materials will boost voter confidence and help INEC maintain credibility,” the group said in its report released on Saturday. No major opposition party statement had been issued regarding logistics as at press time.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to continue monitoring logistics while security agencies maintain patrols across Ekiti State. Stakeholders are hopeful that improved deployment will translate into a smooth and credible electoral process.
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