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Nigeria News (Standard)

SSS Arraigns Former Plateau NBA Chairman Over WhatsApp Post in Jos

Security agency files charges against ex-bar leader for alleged online post; legal community expresses concern over implications for free speech

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Security agency files charges against ex-bar leader for alleged online post; legal community expresses concern over implications for free speech

The State Security Service (SSS) has charged a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Plateau State branch, to court in Jos on Thursday, following an alleged post made on WhatsApp. The move by the security agency marks a notable development in the ongoing scrutiny of online speech by public figures in Nigeria.

According to court filings, the ex-NBA chairman is accused of sharing a message on the social media platform deemed objectionable by authorities. Details regarding the content of the post and the specific legal provisions cited have not been made public as at press time. The arraignment took place at a Jos magistrate court, with SSS officials present to oversee proceedings.

This case comes at a time when legal practitioners and civil rights advocates in Nigeria are increasingly raising alarm over perceived encroachments on digital rights and freedom of expression. Social media has become a major avenue for civic engagement and political commentary in Nigeria, but regulatory agencies have warned that certain posts can threaten national security or incite public disorder.

Neither the SSS nor representatives of the NBA Plateau branch issued immediate statements following Thursday’s court session. However, members of the local legal community have expressed concern about what they described as a growing trend of using security agencies to target critics and professionals for their online activities.

The case is expected to continue in coming weeks, with observers watching closely for its outcome and potential impact on how Nigerian authorities interpret laws related to online speech. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Thursday’s development.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890625-sss-charges-ex-plateau-nba-chairman-over-whatsapp-post.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kano’s Shawall Barau Jibrin Leads Barau FC to Eighth-Place NPFL Finish and Kano FA Cup Triumph

Club president clinched Sports and Wellness award as Barau FC exceeded expectations in maiden Nigeria Premier Football League campaign

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Club president clinched Sports and Wellness award as Barau FC exceeded expectations in maiden Nigeria Premier Football League campaign

Barau Football Club, under the guidance of its president, Alhaji Shawall Barau Jibrin, recorded an impressive eighth-place finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season and secured the Kano FA Cup, marking a period of remarkable progress for the Kano-based side. The club’s achievements have brought renewed recognition to Jibrin, who emerged as winner of the Sports and Wellness category at the CEOs Network Africa Awards held in December 2025.

Barau FC’s rise has been swift, with the team making its NPFL debut this season and surpassing expectations by not only finishing in the top half of the league table but also claiming silverware at state level. The club’s upward trajectory coincided with Jibrin being named youngest club president in the league, a feat acknowledged by stakeholders across Nigerian football.

According to organisers of the CEOs Network Africa Awards, Jibrin was honoured for his growing influence in sports administration, youth development, and community engagement. His leadership has been credited with transforming Barau FC from lower division contenders into an NPFL side within a short period. The club’s recent performances have been described by observers as evidence of focused investment and effective management.

Since receiving his award, Jibrin has continued to steer Barau FC towards greater ambitions. “This recognition is not just for me but for everyone at Barau FC who has worked tirelessly to put Kano on the national football map,” he said after receiving his award last December.

Football analysts say Barau FC’s success is significant for northern clubs competing in Nigeria’s top-flight league and demonstrates how robust leadership can drive grassroots football development. As attention shifts towards preparations for the next NPFL season, supporters are hopeful that Barau FC will continue its positive run under Jibrin’s stewardship.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/npfl-barau-fcs-remarkable-rise-highlights-shawall-barau-jibrins-leadership/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Orders Nigerian Banks to Freeze Accounts of Six Terrorism Financing Suspects

Central Bank directive targets individuals flagged by authorities; financial institutions begin compliance as security agencies intensify probe

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Central Bank directive targets individuals flagged by authorities; financial institutions begin compliance as security agencies intensify probe

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered all commercial banks in the country to immediately freeze accounts linked to six individuals suspected of financing terrorism. The directive, issued on Thursday, 25 June 2026, applies nationwide and forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt funding for terrorist activities.

According to official communication from the apex bank, financial institutions are required to place a no-debit, no-credit restriction on the affected accounts pending further investigation. The names of the six suspects were circulated among licensed banks with an instruction for prompt action and reporting back to regulatory authorities.

This move comes amid heightened concerns about terrorism financing in Nigeria, especially with recent reports of groups exploiting gaps in digital governance and financial oversight. Authorities have been under increasing pressure to strengthen counter-terrorism measures following security advisories and calls from stakeholders for more robust action against financiers.

A senior CBN official, who confirmed the development, stated that the measure aligns with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. “We are working closely with security agencies and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and prevent any loopholes that could be exploited by criminal elements,” the official said. No immediate comment was available from the affected individuals or their legal representatives.

Banks have started implementing the freeze instructions while awaiting further guidance from both the CBN and security agencies. The latest crackdown signals intensified scrutiny of financial transactions in Nigeria’s banking sector as authorities seek to trace, disrupt, and prosecute sources of funding for terrorism.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/890683-cbn-orders-banks-to-freeze-accounts-linked-to-six-terrorism-financing-suspects.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Graduates Turn to Job Aggregation Platforms as Labour Market Fragmentation Deepens

Digital tools like Jobberman and MyJobMag gain popularity among young job seekers, offering relief from scattered listings and lengthy searches

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Digital tools like Jobberman and MyJobMag gain popularity among young job seekers, offering relief from scattered listings and lengthy searches

Thousands of young graduates in Lagos are increasingly relying on job aggregation platforms to simplify their search for employment, as Nigeria’s fragmented labour market continues to frustrate new entrants. The trend became more evident in June 2026, with many citing digital tools such as Jobberman, MyJobMag, LinkedIn, and Indeed as crucial lifelines in their daily hunt for opportunities.

For Adaeze Okonkwo, a 2024 computer science graduate from the University of Lagos, the transition from campus to career has been marked by daily hours spent trawling multiple platforms and WhatsApp groups for job openings. “You start to feel like finding the job is harder than doing the job,” Okonkwo explained. Her experience mirrors that of millions of Nigerians navigating what experts describe as one of Africa’s most fragmented employment landscapes.

The issue stems from Nigeria’s vast but disjointed jobs market, where vacancies are advertised across numerous websites, social media groups, and company pages—often leading to missed opportunities and duplicated efforts for applicants. As at June 2026, youth unemployment remains a persistent concern despite ongoing government interventions and private sector initiatives aimed at stimulating job creation.

Industry observers note that the emergence of aggregation platforms is starting to consolidate scattered listings into single portals, making it easier for job seekers to access verified openings. While government officials have acknowledged the role of technology in bridging information gaps, some recruitment experts urge further regulation and improved transparency to protect applicants from scams or outdated postings.

As digital adoption rises among Nigeria’s youth population—now estimated at over 70 million according to NBS data—stakeholders expect competition among platform providers will drive further innovation. For graduates like Okonkwo, however, the immediate priority remains finding reliable channels to secure meaningful work amid an increasingly crowded field.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/how-nigerian-job-seekers-are-using-aggregation-platforms-to-navigate-a-fragmented-market/

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