News
‘A Sad Day for Democracy’ Sowore React As NBA Condemns Courtroom Conduct
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has slammed Omoyele Sowore for using a Federal High Court in Abuja as a stage for a media briefing, saying it’s unacceptable and undermines the dignity of the court.
In a statement, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, condemned Sowore’s actions, saying courtrooms are meant for the administration of justice, not publicity or advocacy theatrics.
The incident occurred on March 24th, 2026, when Sowore entered the courtroom with camera crew and began addressing national issues, despite his case not being listed for hearing.
The NBA has expressed solidarity with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to Sowore’s conduct, and called on court authorities to protect courtrooms from disruptions and ensure respect for judicial authority.
Reacting to the Statement, Sowore wrote on his official social media pages:
Response to Nigeria Bar Association and its President Afam Osigwe
I have read the statement issued by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association , and I must say this is yet another sad day for democracy in Nigeria.
While I understand that the NBA may feel compelled to defend one of its own, such defense must not be built on falsehoods.
The truth matters especially from an institution that claims to uphold fairness, justice and the rule of law.
First, the NBA and its president falsely claimed that I staged a press conference in court on a day when my case was not listed.
This is incorrect.
I was present at the Federal High Court to obtain the Certified True Copy of a ruling and order striking out a baseless cybercrime charge filed against me in January 2025 by the then illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Upon arrival, the court registrar informed me that the judge had declined to sign the order because the @PoliceNG had secretly filed an ex parte motion to relist the case, and then curiously filed another motion to withdraw that same ex parte application.
We were told that Justice M.S. Liman would only sign the ruling after addressing those motions. We protested this irregularity and were asked to wait for the judge to resume sitting.
While waiting, media personnel attached to the Federal High Court approached me as they routinely do and requested comments.
I obliged. This is standard practice. These journalists are part of the court environment; they interact freely with lawyers, litigants, and observers. Even Mr. @afamosigwe SAN himself witnessed a courtroom filled with media during my first day of trial.
I did not organize any press conference. I responded to questions, as I have done consistently over the years, including during my 2019 treason trial under the @MBuhari regime even though the @OfficialDSSNG would smuggle me in and out of the court using the judge’s elevator bank.
The NBA’s selective outrage is troubling.
Where was this energy when the DSS operatives invaded a courtroom to abduct me before a sitting judge? Where was the defense of the sanctity of the court when state actors repeatedly violated court orders and trampled on the rights of citizens?
Instead, we now see an attempt to distort facts and shield misconduct a by a senior member of the bar, Musbau Akinlami, SAN who acted recklessly with impunity.
It is also important to note that court records will show that my case was indeed before the court, with both the police counsel and my lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, present.
After proceedings, the judge reaffirmed his decision striking out the case and ordered the release of my international passport, which had been unjustly seized.
The attempt by some lawyers, including Senior Advocate Musbau, to intimidate and harass us in court, issuing threats, attempting to destroy equipment, and even calling the police, only underscores the growing culture of impunity. The police themselves found no wrongdoing but I understand that even Musbau. SAN didn’t bargain for what this teachable moment presented at the end of the encounter. So, no surprises here about this.
The NBA cannot claim to defend the rule of law while ignoring abuses by powerful state actors and amplifying misleading narratives against victims of those abuses.
This is not just disappointing, it is dangerous.
If the NBA truly seeks to protect the integrity of the legal profession and the courts, it must begin with honesty, consistency, and courage. not selective outrage.
Indeed, this is another sad day for democracy in Nigeria.
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Jobs
Job Vancancy: Moniepoint Job Vacancies in Abuja and North Central Nigeria
Leading Nigerian fintech company Moniepoint has announced six new job openings across Abuja and several states in the North Central region, expanding its workforce in compliance, technical operations, sales, and security management.
The vacancies cut across multiple departments, reflecting the company’s continued growth in agent banking, SME solutions, and digital financial infrastructure services.
Available Positions
Field Risk & Internal Control Officer (North Central)
- Team: Compliance
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
The role focuses on monitoring operational risks, enforcing internal control standards, and ensuring compliance across field operations in the region.
Apply Here
Hardware Engineer
- Team: Advanced Technical Operations
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
Successful candidates will handle hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support for field operations.
Apply Here
Implementation Officer (North Central)
- Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
- Locations: Benue, Plateau, FCT
This role involves onboarding merchants and ensuring smooth deployment of Moniepoint’s business tools across assigned regions.
Apply Here
Inbound Sales Officer (Abuja)
- Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
The position focuses on handling inbound customer inquiries, converting leads, and supporting sales growth for Moniepoint business solutions.
Apply Here
Regional Lead, Corporate Security (North)
- Team: Moniepoint MFB
- Locations: FCT, Kano
The role oversees corporate security operations, risk prevention strategies, and protection of company assets across northern Nigeria.
Apply Here
Regional Lead, Field Risk & Internal Control (North)
- Team: Compliance
- Location: FCT, Nigeria
This leadership position is responsible for coordinating regional risk management teams and strengthening internal control systems.
Apply Here
The hiring drive comes as fintech companies in Nigeria continue to expand their physical and digital operations across underserved regions, particularly in agent banking and SME support services.
Moniepoint, one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the country, has steadily increased recruitment in technical, compliance, and field operations roles over the past year.
With these openings, Moniepoint is strengthening its presence in Abuja and northern Nigeria while scaling its financial services infrastructure across the country.
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Business
Nigerians Slam Moniepoint CEO Over ‘Talent Quality’ Remarks Amid Hiring Debate
Comments by Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint, have sparked a heated debate online after he questioned the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool while discussing his company’s hiring challenges.
Speaking at the The Platform Nigeria on May 1, Eniolorunda said the fintech firm had advertised over 500 vacancies since 2024 but struggled to find qualified local candidates. He revealed that by 2025, the company reversed its local-only hiring policy due to the shortage.
“I used to feel Nigerians are really bright… but we are still struggling to find Nigerians to fill those roles. They don’t meet global standards,” he said, attributing the gap to factors such as social media distractions, cybercrime, hookup culture, and weaknesses in the education system.
Backlash and Counterarguments
His remarks triggered swift backlash from Nigerians, particularly within the tech community, with many accusing local companies of failing to invest in talent development.
Critics argued that unlike global firms, Nigerian tech companies rarely offer structured, paid internship programs or training pipelines to groom young professionals. Some pointed to examples of international companies like Oracle Corporation, where internships and early talent programs serve as entry points into full-time roles.
Others shared personal experiences of being rejected by local firms despite strong resumes, while noting that Nigerian professionals continue to secure roles in global companies such as Amazon.
A recurring sentiment online was that many Nigerian companies demand “global-standard talent” but are unwilling to offer competitive compensation or career development opportunities.
Industry Perspective
Supporters of Eniolorunda’s stance, however, pointed to the realities of scaling a fast-growing fintech company in a competitive global market. They cited brain drain, limited specialized skills, and increasing demand for top-tier expertise as genuine challenges facing Nigerian startups.
Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem balancing expectations between employers and job seekers, while addressing gaps in education, training, and remuneration.
The debate mirrors ongoing tensions around talent development, compensation, and hiring practices in Nigeria’s fast-evolving tech sector.
As companies expand and compete globally, the question of how to build, retain, and fairly reward talent is likely to remain a central issue.
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News
Outrage as Soldier Assaults Journalist Over Traffic Dispute in Lagos
A Nigerian soldier has allegedly assaulted a journalist, Fakoyejo Olalekan, during a traffic control operation in Lagos State, triggering widespread public condemnation after video footage of the incident surfaced online.
The clash occurred on May 2 near Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja, where personnel of the Nigerian Army were reportedly directing heavy traffic.
According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Fakoyejo remarked to passengers that a soldier’s handling of a motorcyclist had caused an unnecessary delay. The comment allegedly angered one of the soldiers, who ordered everyone out of the vehicle.
The situation escalated when the soldier reportedly slapped and shoved the journalist, and briefly reached for a piece of wood before bystanders intervened to prevent further escalation.
Video clips circulating on social media show at least two soldiers involved in the confrontation. During the incident, Fakoyejo’s phone screen was also seen shattered on the pavement. No serious injuries were reported.
The footage has since triggered widespread criticism online, with many users calling for accountability and questioning the conduct of military personnel during civilian traffic enforcement duties.
As of May 4, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official response despite being tagged in multiple public complaints and posts about the incident.
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News
Outrage as DSS Arraigns Chidiebere Justice Mark Over Alleged Cybercrime, Military Incitement
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.
Mark was earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army over a viral video and accompanying statements he shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he reportedly alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.
Details of Charges
Count One alleges that on April 28, 2026, Mark disseminated information on social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, which authorities claim he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
Count Two states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace. This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
Count Three accuses Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the Army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.
Court Proceedings
Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
Public Reaction
The arraignment has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with civil rights advocates and concerned citizens debating issues around freedom of expression, national security, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.
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News
Nigerian Army Explains Arrest of Blogger ‘Justice Crack’, Cites Security Concerns
The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” following complaints raised online.
In a statement issued on May 2, 2026, and signed by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military said the arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the Armed Forces’ social media policy and attempts to misinform the public.
According to the Army, the development began after some soldiers reportedly raised concerns about feeding and welfare issues, which were later shared on social media by Chidiebere.
However, preliminary findings suggest that the influencer engaged the soldiers in conversations that went beyond welfare concerns, including discussions the Army described as bordering on subversion.
“Preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system,” the statement said.
The Army warned that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts that could undermine discipline poses serious risks to national security.
“It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the statement added.
Following the development, Chidiebere was arrested alongside the soldiers involved. While the soldiers remain in military custody, he has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law, stressing that all actions taken were within legal bounds.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” Anele stated.
The case has drawn public attention amid ongoing conversations about military welfare and freedom of expression on social media.
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