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Igbere TV Boss to Drag Gov. Umahi to Court Over Harassment of Journalists

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The Executive Director of popular online medium Igbere TV, Emeh James Anyalekwa, has threatened to drag Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State to court and before the international community, over the continuous clampdown, intimidation and harassment of journalists in the state.

Mr. Anyalekwa gave the hint in a widely circulated statement on Thursday, 23rd April 2020, against the backdrop of the earlier ban on two journalists from the Ebonyi State Government House, and from covering activities of the state government.

Umahi had last week Saturday ordered the arrest of The Sun Newspaper’s Ebonyi State Government House correspondent, Chijioke Agwu, over a report he did on Lassa Fever outbreak in the state.

Three days later, Peter Okutu of Vanguard Newspaper, was arrested on the order of Ohaukwu LGA Chairman, Mr. Clement Odah, over a report he did on the alleged military invasion of Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo community in the council area.

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However, the Igbere TV boss said the continuous clampdown on media houses and journalists going about their lawful business by state actors and power brokers in Ebonyi, particularly Gov. Umahi, was no longer acceptable.

“It is the right and duty of journalists as the watchdog of society to expose atrocities of both criminals and state actors for the good of all and not even Governor Dave Umahi can wish this away,” he said, insisting that the widely publicised “life ban” on the journalists by Gov. Umahi was “ill-advised.”

“In an apparent incitement of the people against the journalists, Gov. Umahi openly declared that he could no longer guarantee their safety and would not be able to control the people should they rise against the two reporters. This, to me, is totally unacceptable. And the governor must be held responsible for any untoward action on any of the journalists or others in the state.

“That open declaration and unguarded statement from Governor Umahi against the journalists (during a statewide broadcast) is not only reckless, but callous. It is a formal endorsement and open call for anarchy in the state which must be resisted by all.”

He wondered why Governor Umahi would ban journalists from public-funded government facilities in Ebonyi such as the government house, when it was not privately owned by him, declaring the action as a joke taken too far.

“I find these actions unbecoming of a supposedly elected executive, it is utterly reprehensible and condemnable. We are in a democracy and the media “shall at all times be free” to perform its duties without hindrance as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

“Umahi should not constitute himself into a dictator and oppressor of press freedom or we would be forced to declare him person non grata in the media world. I shall continue to resist any attempt at gagging the media.

“Journalists are not criminals who should be harassed, intimidated, arrested, detained and subjected to inhuman treatment under any guise as recently displayed by the state actors in Ebonyi under Umahi’s watch.

“Journalists are critical stakeholders and partners in national development and no attempt should be made to derail our efforts towards building a greater Nigeria.

“Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution recognises and guarantees the freedom of expression as a fundamental right. In the same vein, other international treaties and conventions recognise the right of the press as fundamental to the existence of democracy.

“The press ensures political stability in democratic societies, and recognising that section 22 of the Constitution has placed the burden on the press to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people. Umahi cannot take this away.

“The beacon of democracy is in fact a free and fair press. Respect for the freedom of expression and the right of the public to access and receive information are the yardsticks to evaluate the existence of the rule of law and ultimately, popular democracy.

“Political responsibility is a major concept of democracy and one of the major ways to hold the government responsible is through the press. Umahi must be responsible and leave journalists alone.

Anyalekwa, who doubles as National President, Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), described the actions of Governor Dave Umahi as dictatorial in a democratic system of government.

“I urge Mr. Dave Umahi to show a greater level of transparency and accountability in governance, by allowing unfettered coverage of government activities by journalists and media houses, except there is something he is hiding.”

The Igbere TV boss called on Gov. Umahi to openly apologize to the two journalists and their media houses, and also to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which is the statutory body of all journalists in the country.

“This is also a warning to other state governors to stop harassing journalists. Arresting a journalist and getting him detained over a story is unacceptable. Anybody or institution that feels aggrieved about a story is welcome to either exercise the right of reply or seek redress legally and not embark on extrajudicial self-help,” he added.

Anyalekwa, however, urged journalists not to relent but remain focused in the midst of persecution of the media, saying there was need for more investigative reporting.

“I appeal to journalists not to be deterred because without critical journalism in a democracy, some actors like Umahi will act like dictators.”

“I won’t fold my hands and watch Gov. Umahi destroy journalists and journalism in the state. I will pursue appropriate legal action against the Ebonyi state authorities if this illegality, impunity and blatant violation of media freedom continues unabated.”


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Technology

2025 Bloggers Bootcamp Opens Registration for Aspiring Digital Creators

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2025 Bloggers Bootcamp Opens Registration for Aspiring Digital Creators
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Aspiring bloggers and digital entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to kickstart their online journey as registration opens for the 2025 Bloggers Bootcamp, scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025.

The intensive training program is designed to equip participants with practical skills needed to build, grow, and monetize a successful blog. Key areas of focus include:

  • Strategic Content Creation & Niche Selection
  • Creating and Designing a Blog/Website
  • Basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Monetization Strategies, including Google AdSense

The bootcamp will hold physically in Abuja and Jos, with a virtual option available for participants across the country and beyond.

Interested individuals can register via HERE

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WhatsApp message to +234 08060877989.


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Abuja

FCT Police Refute Claims of Attempted Assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima

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FCT Command Dismisses Viral Report on Alleged Attack on Lt. Yerima
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted viral social media reports claiming that Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, was the target of an assassination attempt in Abuja.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, described the circulating reports as entirely false, emphasizing that no such incident was recorded or reported anywhere within the FCT.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the statement read.

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SP Adeh urged residents to remain vigilant and responsible, especially regarding the dissemination of information on social media platforms. She noted that spreading unverified claims could lead to unnecessary tension and undermine public safety efforts.

The Command encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division or contact the FCT Police emergency lines 08032003913 and 08068587311 for a prompt response.

The statement, signed by SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents within the Federal Capital Territory.

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Lt. Yerima Escapes Alleged Assassination Attempt in Abuja Days After Clash With FCT Minister Wike

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Lt. Yerima Escapes Alleged Assassination Attempt in Abuja Days After Clash With FCT Minister Wike
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A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday evening in Abuja, just days after his widely publicised confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

According to military sources quoted by Vanguard, Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. The suspicious vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

Sensing danger, the officer reportedly carried out what sources described as a “strategic manoeuvre” to evade the suspected assailants. The incident was said to have occurred around 6:30 p.m.

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The military source added that the matter is already under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that additional information is being withheld to avoid compromising the process.

Source: Vanguard


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WCQ Play-Offs: Nigeria Eliminated by Congo on Penalties After 1–1 Draw in Rabat

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WCQ Play-Offs: Nigeria Eliminated by Congo on Penalties After 1–1 Draw in Rabat
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Nigeria’s World Cup hopes suffered a major setback on Saturday as the Super Eagles were eliminated by the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time in their 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off.

Alex Iwobi delivered one of Nigeria’s standout defensive moments with a decisive challenge to dispossess a Congolese attacker during the tense encounter, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the dramatic exit.

The Super Eagles opened the scoring early, capitalising on their strong start to take a deserved lead. Congo, however, responded before halftime, converting one of their few clear opportunities to level the match at 1–1.

Both teams produced chances after the break, but resilient defending and wasteful finishing ensured the game dragged into extra time. Despite Nigeria’s late pressure and Congo’s counter-attacking threats, neither side could find a breakthrough in the added 30 minutes.

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The contest was ultimately decided from the spot. Congo displayed calmness and precision, scoring their penalties with confidence. Nigeria, however, faltered with a crucial miss that swung momentum to the Congolese, who sealed their progression.

Fans reacted with disappointment after the loss, calling for renewed discipline and urgency as the team looks ahead to future competitions. Football analysts also lamented Nigeria’s missed opportunities, emphasising the need for sharper finishing and composure in high-stakes qualifiers.


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Paystack Suspends Co-Founder Ezra Olubi Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Paystack Suspends Co-Founder Ezra Olubi Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Resurfaced Tweets
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Paystack has suspended its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse raised by his former partner, Max Obae.

The suspension, announced on November 14, 2025, comes amid growing scrutiny of conduct and power dynamics within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Obae accused Olubi of manipulative, coercive, and emotionally abusive behaviour during their relationship, alleging that this extended into the workplace, where Olubi reportedly mistreated subordinates. The claims sparked wide public outrage, amplified by the resurfacing of decade-old posts from Olubi’s X (formerly Twitter) account containing explicit references to bestiality and pedophilia.

In a public statement, Paystack confirmed that Olubi had been immediately suspended pending the outcome of a formal internal investigation. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for employees, customers, and partners.

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The allegations have reignited broader conversations around accountability, workplace ethics, and abuse of power in the Nigerian tech scene an industry long praised for innovation but increasingly challenged to confront issues of misconduct within its ranks.

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