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Sowore Vows to Expose Police Abuse: Names of Cybercrimes Act Victims Compiled
Human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore has revealed that he and his team have started compiling the names of Nigerians who have been unjustly harassed or arrested under the Cybercrimes Act 2024, allegedly at the behest of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The announcement came shortly after a court session where the criminal defamation lawsuit, filed against Sowore by the Nigerian police on behalf of Senator Ned Nwoko, was adjourned. During his statement in Abuja, Sowore emphasized that there are ongoing efforts to challenge the unlawful actions of security forces, particularly the police, and to protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.
Sowore expressed alarm over the plight of innocent Nigerians, as well as vocal critics of the government, who have faced illegal detentions, police brutality, and false charges related to alleged Cybercrimes violations. He revealed that discussions are underway to identify individuals who have been arrested or prosecuted simply for making Facebook posts under the pretext of violating the Cybercrimes Act.
“We are working alongside the police to ensure we identify all those who have been arrested for cybercrimes, especially those involved in Facebook post bullying—actions driven by the corrupt leadership of Muyiwa Adejobi and the illegal Inspector General of Police who supports such harassment,” Sowore stated.
Further, Sowore raised concerns about the welfare of police officers, calling for a reform of the pension and gratuity schemes that affect personnel below the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
He criticized the system that leaves lower-ranking officers, from Commissioner of Police down to constables, with meager pensions, noting that after 35 years of service, they often receive less than N2 million in gratuity.
During the resumed hearing of the cyberstalking lawsuit against him on February 4, 2025, the prosecution counsel informed the court that he had misplaced a critical motion, prompting a request for a duplicate. The case was subsequently adjourned to May 5, 2025, by Justice Emeka Nwite.
Sowore is currently facing trial before Justice Suleiman Musa Liman on a 16-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police, accusing him of calling Egbetokun an “illegal IGP” on his social media platform ‘X.’
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal has shared details of a private conversation he had with late President Muhammadu Buhari about his political ties and disagreements involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Lawal spoke in an interview on Channels Television, where he said the conversation happened shortly before Buhari’s death.
He explained that Buhari warned him about possible political disagreements that could come up between him and Tinubu in the future.
According to him, the late president said such situations were likely but should be handled carefully.
He said Buhari advised that any clash in political views should remain focused on governance and public issues.
The former president, he added, made it clear that personal attacks should be avoided, and discussions should remain centered on national matters rather than personal matters.
Lawal said he accepted the advice and made a promise to follow it. He explained that since then, he has tried to keep his public comments about Tinubu within political issues only, without bringing in personal matters.
He added that Buhari told him he might end up in political disagreement with someone he considered a friend, but he should avoid turning it into something personal. Lawal said he agreed to that guidance at the time and has tried to respect it in his political activities.
Quoting his exchange with Buhari, Lawal said the late president told him, “You are going to fight your friend politically; please promise me you will not go personal with your fight.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the party can only adopt a consensus candidate where all aspirants voluntarily agree to the arrangement.
Speaking on the party’s nomination process, the chairman emphasized that consensus candidacy is not imposed but must be the product of mutual consent among all contenders seeking the ticket.
In a statement, the chairman clarified that any consensus candidate must have backing of all the contenders.
— Prof. Nentawe
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost consumer protection.
NCC spokesperson, Nnenna Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
She said the agreement would also combat fraud across telecommunications and financial sectors.
Ukoha said the MoU was formalised alongside inauguration of joint committees on payment systems, consumer protection, and the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System portal.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, said the pact provided a framework for collaboration on payment integrity, fraud mitigation, digital inclusion, and consumer protection.
He said the initiative would deliver outcomes that strengthen trust, deepen inclusion, and support a secure digital economy.
Maida described the signing as a milestone, reflecting both institutions’ commitment to financial stability and consumer protection in an interconnected ecosystem.
“The Commission places significant importance on collaboration. Many milestones in addressing industry challenges came through strategic partnerships,” he said.
He recalled NCC and CBN intervention in resolving the USSD debt impasse, restoring confidence among consumers, telecom operators, and financial institutions.
According to him, the MoU will promote secure digital payments and expand access to underserved populations and small businesses.
Maida said the TIRMS portal would help curb electronic fraud by offering real-time insights into phone number status.
“This includes whether a line is active, swapped, disconnected, reassigned, or flagged for suspicious activity.
“This will significantly improve financial institutions’ ability to combat phone-linked fraud,” he said.
He said the collaboration would also ensure prompt resolution of consumer complaints, including failed airtime recharges.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the MoU would improve coordination on approvals, standards, and innovation, including sandbox testing.
Cardoso reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to building a safer, more resilient, and inclusive digital financial system.
“Going forward, the Central Bank remains committed to working with the Commission to protect consumers and strengthen trust in the digital economy,” he said.
He inaugurated the joint committees, noting they would prioritise consumer protection and fraud prevention.
The initiative is expected to boost confidence while addressing risks in converging telecoms and financial services.
Ex SGF Babachir reveals what Buhari told him about Tinubu before his demise
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