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Mali Security Agencies Arrest Two Journalists Under Cybercrime Law for Criticising Authorities

Arrests spark renewed concerns over press freedom as media advocates urge government to respect journalists’ rights

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Arrests spark renewed concerns over press freedom as media advocates urge government to respect journalists’ rights

Two journalists have been arrested in Mali for allegedly violating the country’s cybercrime law after they criticised authorities, escalating fears over press freedom in the West African nation. The arrests reportedly took place on Wednesday, though officials have not released the identities of those detained.

According to reports, security agencies carried out the arrests following online publications in which the journalists were said to have made critical remarks about Malian authorities. This incident follows a pattern of increased pressure on media professionals in Mali, with several journalists previously detained under similar charges in recent months.

The development has prompted widespread concern among media rights groups, who argue that Mali’s cybercrime law is increasingly being used as a tool to silence dissent and restrict freedom of expression. Stakeholders point to a growing trend across parts of West Africa where digital laws are deployed against journalists and online commentators, raising alarms for democracy and civic engagement.

While Malian officials have not issued a formal statement on the latest arrests, media advocacy organisations have called for their immediate release and for government to review laws perceived as stifling independent journalism. “These detentions undermine efforts to promote transparency and accountability,” one group stated in a public appeal.

Observers say this crackdown could further discourage critical reporting in Mali, especially as the country navigates political transition and insecurity challenges. The international community is also watching developments closely, with calls mounting for Malian authorities to balance national security concerns with respect for fundamental freedoms.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888365-in-mali-two-more-journalists-arrested-under-cybercrime-law-for-criticising-authorities.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

JAMB Releases Original UTME Result Slips to 2026 Candidates Nationwide

Examination body directs candidates to official portal for result slip printing, urges vigilance against fraudsters and unauthorised vendors

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June 17, 2026

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Examination body directs candidates to official portal for result slip printing, urges vigilance against fraudsters and unauthorised vendors

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the release of original result slips for candidates who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across Nigeria. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with JAMB directing all candidates to access their slips through the board’s official website.

According to JAMB, the original result slip is a critical document required for admission processes into tertiary institutions nationwide. The board advised candidates to log in using their registration details and follow the approved procedure for printing, warning that it does not authorise any third-party vendors or agents for this service.

The release of original result slips marks a key stage in the admission cycle for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Over the years, JAMB has continued to streamline its processes to reduce fraud and ensure only genuine results are used in Nigeria’s admissions system. The board reminded candidates that only slips obtained directly from its portal would be accepted by institutions during screening and registration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, JAMB also cautioned against patronising unofficial websites or individuals claiming to offer result slip printing services. “Candidates must avoid falling victim to fraudsters who promise quick fixes or shortcuts outside our official platform,” the statement read. JAMB further noted that it will continue monitoring compliance and urged institutions to verify all submitted result slips through its central database.

With the release now underway, successful UTME candidates have been advised to promptly print their original slips as part of preparations for post-UTME screenings and admission processes expected to commence in various institutions across Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888387-utme-2026-jamb-releases-original-result-slips-for-candidates.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos-Based BOOLDO Launches Betting Offers Platform, Moves Away From Predictions

New service aggregates bookmakers’ promotions, aims to give Nigerian punters more transparency and control over betting choices

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June 17, 2026

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New service aggregates bookmakers’ promotions, aims to give Nigerian punters more transparency and control over betting choices

BOOLDO, a Lagos-based platform targeting sports betting enthusiasts, has unveiled a new online service that collects and displays betting offers and promotions from multiple bookmakers in one location. The launch took place on Monday, 17 June 2026, with the aim of providing Nigerian users a clearer overview of available betting options without relying on predictions or rankings.

According to BOOLDO management, the platform is designed for users who want to make informed decisions about where to place their bets by reviewing current bonuses and special offers from different operators. Unlike many existing betting sites that publish tips or rank bookmakers, BOOLDO presents all available options side by side, allowing users to compare offers without jumping between multiple websites or social media posts.

Industry observers note that the approach could appeal to Nigerian bettors seeking more transparency in a market often dominated by bold predictions and selective lists. “A ranking can be useful, but it can also hide the bigger picture,” BOOLDO stated at the launch, adding that their focus is on showing all possible offers rather than directing users toward particular bookmakers.

BOOLDO’s management explained that while predictions can be helpful, they are still guesses and often become outdated before matches end. The platform instead highlights tangible elements such as bookmaker name, type of promotion, headline value and basic offer details—factors users can assess before making any decision. “Offers are things users can actually review before they act,” the company said.

While BOOLDO’s founders acknowledge that no service can eliminate risk from betting, they maintain that their solution gives Nigerian punters a better starting point by reducing guesswork and noise in the market. The company has encouraged interested users to visit booldo.com/ng to view the full range of live offers. As at press time, there were no official reactions from major sportsbook operators or industry regulators regarding the launch.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/booldo-less-guesswork-more-betting-offers-2026061710103930807

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kogi High Court Sentences Kidnapper to Death for Killing Hotel Proprietor After ₦2.5m Ransom

Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers

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June 17, 2026

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Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers

A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death after finding him guilty of kidnapping and killing his neighbour, Uche Andrew Offo, even after collecting a ₦2.5 million ransom from the victim’s family. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Abdul Nicodemus Awulu, marking another major conviction for the Department of State Services (DSS) in its anti-kidnapping operations.

According to court proceedings, Halilu and members of his gang stormed Everready Hotel in the Angwa-Tiv area of Obajana on 23 March 2023, abducting Offo who was the proprietor. Despite negotiating and collecting ₦2.5 million from Offo’s relatives, the kidnappers went ahead to kill their victim. The DSS investigation led to Halilu’s arrest and subsequent arraignment on charges including conspiracy and kidnapping, contrary to Sections 12, 6(1), and 4(3)(a) of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.

The court found that the prosecution provided compelling evidence linking Halilu to both the abduction and murder. Justice Awulu imposed the death sentence as stipulated by law for such offences in Kogi State. This ruling comes just a day after a Katsina State High Court also sentenced a female arms courier arrested by the DSS to death, highlighting what observers describe as a series of courtroom successes for Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.

The spate of convictions follows a Federal High Court judgment on 3 June 2026, where four persons were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Security experts say these recent judgments signal a firmer stance by Nigerian courts against violent crimes linked to kidnapping and terrorism.

There was no immediate statement from Halilu’s legal representatives or family as at press time. The DSS has not issued an official comment following the verdict. Legal analysts note that while appeals remain open under Nigerian law, such capital convictions are expected to serve as deterrents amid rising concern over insecurity across North-Central Nigeria.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-hands-down-death-penalty-to-kidnapper-in-kogi/

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