Nigeria News (Standard)
DSS Releases Herdsman After Two-Year Detention, Awards ₦3 Million Compensation in Abuja
Security service frees wrongly detained herder, pays damages after lengthy incarceration without conviction
Security service frees wrongly detained herder, pays damages after lengthy incarceration without conviction
A herder who was held in custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) for two years has regained his freedom in Abuja, following a decision by the agency to release him and pay ₦3 million as compensation. The release took place on Saturday, marking the end of a prolonged detention that did not result in any conviction.
The herdsman, whose identity was not disclosed at the time of filing this report, had been wrongfully detained by the DSS since 2024. After a review of his case, authorities ordered his immediate release and awarded financial compensation to address the injustice he suffered during his time in detention.
This development comes amid ongoing national debates about human rights and due process in Nigeria’s security sector. Wrongful detentions have drawn criticism from civil society groups and legal practitioners who argue that such practices undermine public trust in law enforcement and violate constitutional protections.
While details of the circumstances leading to the herdsman’s initial arrest remain unclear, the DSS’s move to release him and provide monetary compensation signals an attempt by the agency to address past wrongs. No official statement had been issued by DSS spokespersons as at press time, and efforts to reach human rights advocates for comment were unsuccessful.
With this release and compensation, attention is expected to focus on whether security agencies will review similar cases across the country. Legal experts note that such incidents could set important precedents for accountability within Nigeria’s justice system, especially regarding pre-trial detentions without charge or conviction.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Don Media Group (DMG) commemorated the first anniversary of its radio operations in Abia State on Thursday, spotlighting twelve months of broadcasting through Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM. The event took place in Umuahia, drawing staff, stakeholders, and community representatives to reflect on the group’s achievements since launching both stations in June last year.
According to DMG, Don 103.7 FM was established as a vibrant urban lifestyle station targeting youth and city dwellers in Abia and neighbouring states, while Ikoro 93.3 FM focuses on indigenous content to strengthen cultural identity and grassroots communication within the region. The two stations have provided local news coverage, music, talk shows, and public affairs programming tailored to diverse audiences across the South-East.
The media group said its expansion has boosted access to reliable information, created jobs for young media professionals in Abia State, and given a platform to community voices often excluded from national conversations. Listeners have responded positively to the stations’ blend of entertainment and informative content.
While DMG did not provide specific audience figures or revenue data at the anniversary event, management reaffirmed commitment to further growth and digital innovation. The group said it plans to invest in technology upgrades and training for staff to maintain competitive edge within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Industry observers note that DMG’s dual-station strategy reflects rising demand for both contemporary urban programming and preservation of local languages on airwaves. The group is expected to announce new partnerships with educational institutions and civil society groups later this year as part of efforts to deepen community engagement.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Police commands in Ogun and Lagos States have arrested 88 suspects and rescued five kidnapped victims in a large-scale joint security operation dubbed ‘Kosaye’ across the two states and boundary communities. The exercise, which began this week and was formally launched at the Ogun Police Training College in Iperu on Saturday, aims to root out criminal elements from South-West corridors, according to police authorities.
The operation involved extensive bush combing and coordinated raids on suspected hideouts spanning Ogun, Lagos, and up to the border with Oyo State. Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said at a press briefing that officers arrested 84 suspects—comprising 75 males and nine females—while also rescuing five persons who were abducted along Ore–Ogbere road on Thursday. Four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue effort, with another four taken into custody.
Ojajuni explained that Operation ‘Kosaye,’ meaning ‘no chance,’ was initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of renewed efforts to eliminate kidnapping and armed robbery from major highways and rural settlements in the region. The commissioner described the operation as a proactive response to recent spikes in abductions and violent crime affecting commuters and residents along key transport corridors.
“We formally launch operation ‘Ko saye’ in Lagos and Ogun state. Operation ‘Ko saye’ means there is no space for criminality and criminals,” Ojajuni said at the event. He added that police would sustain aggressive patrols along flashpoints while intensifying intelligence gathering to pre-empt further attacks. The Inspector General’s office has directed all units to prioritise rapid deployment to identified trouble spots.
As at press time, investigations into the backgrounds of those arrested were ongoing. Security agencies urged communities to cooperate fully with law enforcement by providing timely information about suspicious activities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Countryside Group Appoints Whiteman (Fakepoco) as Brand Ambassador in Lagos Signing Ceremony
Entertainment influencer Omotore Adebayo Barry to represent three flagship brands as firm targets greater African market reach
Entertainment influencer Omotore Adebayo Barry to represent three flagship brands as firm targets greater African market reach
Countryside Group has formally unveiled popular Lagos-based social media personality and hypeman, Omotore Adebayo Barry, also known as Whiteman or Fakepoco, as its new brand ambassador during a signing ceremony held on Thursday. The event took place in Lagos State, marking a strategic move by the company to strengthen its market presence and drive customer engagement across Nigeria and the African continent.
According to the firm, Whiteman—renowned for his energetic online persona—will serve as the official ambassador for three of Countryside Group’s flagship brands. Company representatives say this partnership is expected to boost brand visibility and attract a younger demographic, leveraging Whiteman’s large following on social media platforms.
Chairman of Countryside Group, High Chief Dr. Ndubisi George Ugo, described the collaboration as a deliberate investment to enhance public engagement and drive growth. “We believe bringing Whiteman on board will help us connect better with our audience and expand our footprint beyond Nigeria,” Ugo said at the ceremony.
Industry observers note that such partnerships between major companies and digital influencers have become increasingly common in Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment and business landscape. Many firms now rely on popular content creators to reach new customers, especially among urban youth who are highly active online.
With this new appointment, Countryside Group plans to roll out a series of marketing campaigns featuring Whiteman across various channels. The company says it will monitor feedback closely to assess the impact of the partnership on sales and brand perception in coming months.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/fake-poco-emerges-countryside-ambassador/
Chelsea Set to Seal £48m Move for Super Eagles Star After World Cup Campaign
Japan Star Claims Team Can Eliminate Brazil at 2026 World Cup
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Countryside Group Appoints Whiteman (Fakepoco) as Brand Ambassador in Lagos Signing Ceremony
Nasboi Counters Ycee’s ‘Peller Culture’ Remarks Amid Education Debate in Lagos
Argentina Look to Extend Perfect World Cup Run Against Jordan as Group Stage Heats Up
Lagos Filmmaker Doris Ariole Secures Consecutive Best Director International Nomination at Canadian Festival
Super Eagles Legend Wades Into Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT Debate With Striking Verdict
Colombia and Portugal Set for Group K Showdown With World Cup Progress on the Line
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
