Category Nigeria News

The Kebbi State Government on Tuesday explained the ₦10 billion Hajj intervention released to the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

READ ALSO: Kebbi Govt Reopens Maga School After Abduction, Deploys Security Operatives

The government’s reaction followed criticism from Muslim Rights Concern, which urged the state to redirect the funds to education and healthcare.

Speaking at a press conference, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, stated that the funds released to the agency were a repayable loan intended to meet the deadline for securing Hajj slots for intending pilgrims from the state.

“We recognise MURIC as a responsible organisation that stands for truth, but it appears they did not have sufficient information regarding the intervention.

“For the record, the ₦10 billion was a loan from the Kebbi State Government to the agency, to be repaid through the sale of Hajj seats, and the money has since been returned to the state’s account,” Ahmed said.

On healthcare delivery, the commissioner explained that Governor Nasir Idris had addressed remuneration disparities between state and federal doctors to curb the migration of medical personnel in search of better opportunities.

He added that hospitals across the state had been rehabilitated and equipped with modern facilities to meet the healthcare needs of residents.

Ahmed also noted that the education sector had received significant attention, with special interventions including school renovations and the provision of furniture to enhance learning across the state.

MURIC had faulted the state government for approving a ₦10 billion loan to secure an additional 1,300 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, described the decision as a misplacement of priorities, urging the government to focus on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

The Lagos High Court at the Tafawa Balewa Square area of Lagos has awarded the sum of $25, 000 as damages in favour of Femi Falana (SAN), in the $5,000,000 lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the U.S-based tech giant owned by Mark Zuckerberg, over alleged invasion of his privacy.

In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Olalekan Oresanya held that a global technology company such as Meta, which hosts pages for commercial benefit, owes a duty of care to persons affected by content disseminated on its platform.

Falana, through his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, had accused Meta of publishing motion images and voice captioned, “AfriCare Health Centre,” on their website to the effect that he suffered a disease known as ‘Prostatitis’ which constitutes an invasion of his privacy as guaranteed by section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

The suit was also filed pursuant to Section 24(1)(A) and (E) & Section 34(1)(D) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, Order 2 Rule 1 Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009.

READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Violated Court Order, Demolished 100 Properties In Oworonshoki – Falana

Falana said that the published false video about his health status has rubbished his image and the name he built over the years. He also argued that the publication by the respondent, which is false, offensive, and disturbing, paints him in a false light, which has caused him mental and emotional disturbances.

In its judgement, the court rejected the notion that platforms can rely solely on “hosting” or “intermediary” arguments where the platform monetises content, and harm from misinformation is reasonably foreseeable.

For Falana’s lawyer, Olumide Babalola, this issue reinforced a platform accountability standard under Nigerian law, which aligns with emerging global jurisprudence.

The court also found that “the fact that the applicant is a public figure does not rob him of his right to privacy”. The publication of false medical information was found to intrude into the claimant’s private life, regardless of his public standing.

Babalola said that this finding settles an important misconception in Nigerian practice and affirms that health data enjoys heightened protection, even for public figures.

The Court also found that Meta determines the means and purposes of processing content; monetises pages and controls distribution algorithms; and therefore acts as a joint data controller with page owners. Accordingly, Meta was held vicariously liable for the offensive video.

Babalola said, “This is a major development under the NDPA and weakens the ‘mere platform’ defence traditionally relied upon by Big Tech”.

The Court further held that Meta breached Section 24 of the NDPA, having processed personal data that was inaccurate, harmful, lacking a lawful basis, and unfair to the learned Senior Advocate. The False health information was held to be unlawful processing per se.

The Court emphasised that where the risk of inaccuracy is foreseeable, especially in relation to sensitive personal data, a platform owes a heightened duty to ensure accuracy and integrity, meaning that Meta failed to deploy adequate safeguards to prevent or mitigate harm.

The Katsina State Police Command on Tuesday said it has arrested three suspects in connection with the illegal possession of a large cache of highly explosive materials in the State.

The items were intercepted in a Golf vehicle at Koza village in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State.

This success follows the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on enhanced vigilance and intelligence-led patrols, especially along highways.

The Katsina Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, said the police team, while on an intelligence-led stop and search on January 7th, 2026, succeeded in intercepting a Golf vehicle driven by one Jamilu Musa.

READ ALSO: Two Killed, Wedding Guests Abducted As Bandits Launch Attack In Katsina

Sadiq explained that upon instant search, 6,975 pieces of detonators were recovered in the suspect’s possession, neatly concealed.

He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to having received the materials from one Najib, now at large, en route to Kwangolam, Mai’adua LGA, Katsina State, from Kano State.

According to him, in the course of the investigation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Murtala and Sulaiman Muhammad, were arrested in connection with the offence.

He said 7,500 electric detonators and 30½ bags of gelatine weighing 2,273.65 kg were recovered from the suspects.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Nigerian youths against violence that could plunge the nation into upheaval.

The royal father advised while addressing leaders of Benin City Christian Community, whose 2026 Universal Week of prayers climaxed on Sunday at his Palace in Benin City.

The First Class traditional ruler, who spoke in the Edo Language, specifically pleaded with youths in the State to exercise restraint and apply wisdom as well as preserve their heritage for future generations.

“To all our youths across Edo State, we use this opportunity to plead with you, do not use violence to destroy Nigeria and cause confusion in this country.

“Allow this government in Edo State to work. Support and keep praying for leaders in this country,” the Oba said.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Celebrates Oba Of Benin HRM Ewuare On Birthday, Coronation Anniversary

His advice followed media reports surrounding the recent incidents involving students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU)in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

He prayed to Almighty God and his Royal ancestors to strengthen Nigerian leaders and imbue them with divine wisdom in discharging their responsibilities daily.

While reliving his experience since he ascended the throne of his forebears almost 10 years ago and the challenges, the revered monarch enjoined Christians across the various denominations to unite and support the growth of one another as enunciated by Christ.

READ ALSO: Edo Govt Debunks Ekpoma Riot Claims, Says Violence ‘Sponsored From Abroad’

During the Universal Week of prayer themed: “The unchangeable God”, Apostle Godspower Ogbonmwan, who delivered the goodwill message, stated that God’s promises must surely come to pass, citing relevant Bible illustrations.

He reminded leaders, irrespective of their religion, of their obligations to their people at all times.

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting an outright pardon to seven convicts serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the gesture was to mark the governor’s 61st birthday anniversary and build on the clemency earlier approved on January 1, 2026, during the New Year celebrations.

The governor, acting on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved clemency for 77 convicts.

However, the seven beneficiaries of the latest pardon were selected based on verified reports of genuine remorse, good behaviour, rehabilitation efforts, and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.

READ ALSO: Portable Denied Bail After Arraignment In Ogun

According to the statement, their outright release reflects the governor’s belief in restorative justice, the decongestion of correctional facilities, and the provision of second chances for individuals who have demonstrated meaningful change.

The Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, who doubles as the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the governor for the decision, describing it as thoughtful and forward-looking.

Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected human traffickers and fraudsters, rescuing three victims from them in Akure, the state capital.

According to the PPRO, a 30-year-old Togolese named John Apiah allegedly used two women( Blessing Assiah and Laro Larisa) to lure unsuspecting victims with promises of procuring international passports and American visas.

The Suspects were said to have fraudulently collected a total sum of 1.6 million CFA from three victims who were initially lodged in a hotel before being moved to the suspects’ rented apartment in Oda Town, near Akure, where they were kept under suspicious circumstances.

Jimoh disclosed that, acting on credible intelligence, the Police promptly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the Suspects.

READ ALSO: Portable Denied Bail After Arraignment In Ogun

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, warned landlords against allowing their premises to be used for criminal activities, stressing that such negligence would attract serious legal consequences.

He assured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, trans-border crimes, and all forms of criminal activities.