Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police Arrest Social Media Influencer ‘Witch of China’ Over Alleged Cyberbullying, Defamation
State Commissioner Fatai Tijani orders transfer of case to SCID after multiple vendors accuse influencer of online attacks
State Commissioner Fatai Tijani orders transfer of case to SCID after multiple vendors accuse influencer of online attacks
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested popular social media influencer and Chinese translator, Shalom Daisy Daniels, widely known as “Witch of China”, over alleged cyberbullying, defamation, and orchestrated online attacks against local business vendors. The arrest took place in Lagos following a series of formal complaints lodged by affected business owners earlier this week.
According to police sources, Daniels, aged 22, was apprehended after several vendors reported that she used her large social media platforms to target their businesses. The complainants allege that Daniels encouraged coordinated reporting campaigns aimed at bringing down the social media pages and damaging the reputations of these businesses.
The incident has raised concerns among small business owners in Lagos, who say online attacks can have serious economic consequences in Nigeria’s growing digital marketplace. Many have called for stronger enforcement of cybercrime laws to protect entrepreneurs who depend on social media for marketing and customer engagement.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, directed that the matter be transferred from the Langbasa Division in Eti-Osa Local Government Area to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The SCID Crime Unit under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Soledayo Akinbisehin will now lead further investigations into the allegations. “We are committed to ensuring due process and protecting all parties involved as we investigate this matter,” a police spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Daniels remains in custody as at Wednesday while investigations continue. The police have urged anyone with further information or related complaints to come forward. Meanwhile, advocacy groups are calling for more awareness about responsible online conduct and respect for digital business spaces.
Nigeria News (Standard)
South Africa’s Ime Okon Rejects Nigeria Switch, Commits to Bafana Bafana Ahead of World Cup
Okon ends speculation over Super Eagles eligibility, says he will continue to represent South Africa in international football
Okon ends speculation over Super Eagles eligibility, says he will continue to represent South Africa in international football
South Africa-based defender Ime Okon has put an end to rumours about a possible switch to the Nigerian national team, confirming on Saturday that he remains committed to representing Bafana Bafana at international level. The announcement comes amid growing speculation in Nigerian football circles regarding his eligibility for the Super Eagles due to his heritage.
Okon, who recently featured for South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, addressed questions about his international future, stating firmly that South Africa is his home and he has no plans to play for any other country. The statement was made as at 20 June, following weeks of debate among supporters and analysts about his potential inclusion in Nigeria’s squad.
The uncertainty around Okon’s allegiance had sparked interest among Nigerian fans and stakeholders, with many hoping the talented defender would boost the Super Eagles’ defensive options ahead of upcoming qualifiers. However, Okon’s clear position now puts the matter to rest and underlines his commitment to South African football development.
While the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has not issued an official comment on Okon’s decision, sources within football administration say they respect players’ choices regarding international representation. Meanwhile, South African officials have welcomed Okon’s pledge as a boost to their squad continuity ahead of future tournaments.
With this declaration, attention now shifts back to Nigeria’s homegrown and diaspora talents as the Super Eagles prepare for their next round of competitive fixtures. Football observers say Okon’s decision underscores the importance of early talent identification and retention for both countries’ national teams.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Dangote Refinery Slashes Jet Fuel Price to ₦1,450 Per Litre in Lagos Market Move
Price reduction expected to ease operational costs for Nigerian airlines amid rising aviation expenses and naira volatility
Price reduction expected to ease operational costs for Nigerian airlines amid rising aviation expenses and naira volatility
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of aviation fuel (Jet A1) to ₦1,450 per litre, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The new pricing structure was announced on Saturday in Lagos and is expected to bring relief to domestic airlines struggling with high operational costs.
The refinery, located in Lekki Free Zone, implemented the price cut following recent pressures on airline operators who have consistently raised concerns over the escalating cost of jet fuel and its impact on ticket prices. Previously, airlines had cited jet fuel prices exceeding ₦1,600 per litre as a major factor driving up airfares nationwide.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has faced persistent challenges due to fluctuating exchange rates and global oil market volatility. The move by Dangote Refinery comes at a time when operators and industry stakeholders have called for local refineries to intervene and stabilise the market. With this reduction, airlines may now have some respite from recent financial pressures, which have led some carriers to scale back routes or suspend operations entirely.
As at Saturday, there was no official statement from the Federal Government or the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regarding the development. However, industry analysts suggest that the price drop could help make air travel more affordable for Nigerians while also supporting local content in fuel supply chains. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this move prompts further reductions in other petroleum product prices as Dangote ramps up operations at its new facility.
The development is expected to stimulate competition within Nigeria’s energy sector and could potentially lead other marketers to adjust their pricing strategies. Market watchers say that sustained supply from Dangote Refinery could help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products going forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
PFI NPK Says Early Fertiliser Procurement Cushioned Middle East Supply Disruptions
Company reports proactive import strategy reduced impact of global tension on Nigerian farmers ahead of planting season
Company reports proactive import strategy reduced impact of global tension on Nigerian farmers ahead of planting season
Early procurement of fertiliser by the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) NPK helped Nigeria avoid severe shortages caused by rising tensions in the Middle East, the company has said. The initiative, which oversees large-scale fertiliser blending and supply, revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday, 20 June.
According to PFI NPK, management anticipated possible disruptions in international supply chains due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East region, a key source of raw materials for fertiliser production. As a result, the company prioritised early importation and local blending efforts to ensure Nigerian farmers could access essential inputs ahead of the current planting season.
The move comes at a time when global fertiliser prices have spiked and some countries have experienced acute shortages following restricted exports from major producers. Nigerian agriculture is heavily reliant on timely and affordable access to fertiliser, especially as smallholder farmers make up a significant portion of the sector. The PFI NPK said its strategy was designed to protect farmers from these global shocks.
While specific figures were not disclosed, PFI NPK noted that its early action helped stabilise domestic supply and maintain price levels for end-users. The company stated: “By securing raw materials ahead of time, we were able to mitigate potential delays and ensure that blending plants across the country remained operational.” No comments from opposition groups or independent agriculture analysts were immediately available as at press time.
The fertiliser initiative said it would continue monitoring international developments and adjust its procurement strategy as necessary. Stakeholders expect ongoing vigilance will be needed given continued volatility in global commodity markets affecting Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
