NGE, SERAP, NUJ Petition Tinubu to Investigate Wike’s Threat Against TV Journalist

The Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu to investigate a controversial remark by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was interpreted as a threat against Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

The groups, in a joint statement, condemned Wike’s comment and urged the federal government to conduct a thorough, transparent, and effective investigation. They emphasized the need to ensure the safety and protection of journalists against intimidation and harassment while carrying out their duties.

Wike’s controversial statement came during a media interaction in Abuja last Friday. Responding to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today regarding concerns over the 2027 elections and the potential dominance of a single party, Wike said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The remark sparked nationwide criticism, with media groups describing it as a threat to press freedom.

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Although Wike later clarified that his comment was figurative and expressed regret, NGE, SERAP, and NUJ warned that such rhetoric is dangerous and undermines the constitutional rights of journalists. They highlighted growing pressures on press freedom in Nigeria, noting that the country dropped ten places to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, amid increasing reports of assaults, arrests, and intimidation against journalists.

The organisations also called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to work with relevant agencies to investigate threats against media practitioners and hold perpetrators accountable. They stressed that public officials must remain open to scrutiny and criticism and that journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear.

In addition, the groups cautioned against the use of lawsuits to intimidate journalists, known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), and urged the government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and the protection of press rights.

The petitions reflect a broader concern over escalating threats to journalists in Nigeria and signal a call for decisive government action to safeguard democratic accountability and freedom of expression.

NGE, SERAP, NUJ Petition Tinubu to Investigate Wike’s Threat Against TV Journalist

BREAKING: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Dies in Egypt 

Muhammad Usman Ankwai, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, has died in Egypt following a brief illness, sending shockwaves across political and public circles in the state. He reportedly passed away on Monday while seeking medical treatment abroad.

Ankwai, who represented the Zuru Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023. In his role as Speaker, he was instrumental in legislative oversight, policy formulation, and governance initiatives in Kebbi State.

Details surrounding his illness remain undisclosed, but reports indicate he had traveled to Egypt for treatment. The sudden news of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from lawmakers, party officials, and residents, many of whom described him as a dedicated and committed public servant.

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Political analysts note that Ankwai’s death comes during a critical period in Kebbi State politics, as party realignments and preparations for the 2027 general elections are underway. His leadership and influence in the House of Assembly had been significant in shaping legislative agendas and state governance.

Tributes are already flowing on social media, with colleagues and political figures lauding his contributions to the state legislature. Details regarding burial arrangements and official funeral protocols are expected to be released by his family and the Kebbi State Assembly in the coming days.

Ankwai’s passing marks a significant loss for the political landscape in Kebbi State, where his work as a legislator and Speaker had earned him respect across party lines.

BREAKING: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Dies in Egypt 

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty in US to $5 Million Illegal Money Transfer Scheme

A Nigerian-born US resident, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ugwu, has pleaded guilty to running a $5 million illegal money transfer scheme linked to fraud and cybercrime, in a case that underscores growing international efforts to combat financial crimes.

The guilty plea was announced by US Attorney Eric Grant in Fresno, California. Ugwu, 49, who lives in Bakersfield, California, admitted to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business between December 2020 and August 2023.

According to court documents, Ugwu used his company, Franklin Finance Inc., to open and control about 20 bank accounts across nine financial institutions, receiving approximately $5 million from over 100 individuals in the United States.

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Authorities revealed that at least $580,000 of the funds were proceeds of fraud, sent by victims of cybercrime, including business email compromise (BEC) scams and other online fraud schemes. Ugwu then transferred the money to individuals in countries such as China and Nigeria, effectively facilitating money laundering operations.

Prosecutors said the business operated without the required licences, and Ugwu used false representations to banks and customers to conceal the illegal nature of his activities, allowing the scheme to run for nearly three years.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, reflecting intensified US crackdowns on international fraud networks and financial crimes.

Ugwu is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2026, by Jennifer L. Thurston. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although the final sentence will be determined based on federal guidelines.

The US fraud case involving Ifeanyi Ugwu highlights the critical role of intermediaries in enabling global cybercrime and the increasing cooperation among law enforcement agencies to dismantle such networks.

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty in US to $5 Million Illegal Money Transfer Scheme