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INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan
INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has uncovered a fabricated account on X (formerly Twitter) impersonating its Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, following a detailed forensic investigation that exposed a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting the commission.
The development was disclosed through the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, who said INEC commissioned independent cybersecurity experts to carry out a multi-layered forensic investigation into the alleged account and related online activities.
According to the commission, the investigation relied on X platform data analysis, digital identity forensics, OSINT tools, internet archive records, and cross-platform tracking, all of which confirmed that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.
INEC stated that all posts, replies, and screenshots attributed to the handle in question were fraudulent, technically inconsistent, and digitally unverifiable, describing the entire activity as part of a coordinated attempt to mislead the public.
Forensic findings expose manipulation and impersonation
The electoral body outlined key findings from the investigation, beginning with the absence of any digital linkage between the alleged account and the Chairman’s verified contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers.
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The commission also dismissed claims suggesting ownership through financial identity data, noting that such information does not prove control of any social media account.
One of the most critical discoveries was timestamp manipulation, where an alleged reply (“Victory is sure”) was posted before the original tweet it was said to have responded to — a technical impossibility that strongly indicated fabrication.
INEC further confirmed that there was no historical record of the account on internet archive platforms and no trace of the alleged posts on X itself, reinforcing the conclusion that the content was manufactured.
Investigators also observed that the account was later renamed, switched to private mode, and labelled as a “parody account” shortly after the screenshots went viral, suggesting an attempt to conceal the impersonation.
The commission also identified at least seven additional fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity, describing the trend as a sustained coordinated disinformation campaign.
INEC warns against misinformation and viral fake content
INEC cautioned Nigerians against sharing unverified social media content, stressing that online virality does not confirm authenticity.
The commission urged journalists, political actors, and the public to verify all information through official INEC communication channels before dissemination, especially during politically sensitive periods.
It also called on social media platforms, particularly X, to strengthen monitoring systems and take swift action against impersonation accounts used to spread misinformation.
Case referred to security agencies
INEC confirmed that the full forensic report has been submitted to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
The commission further urged media organisations to adopt stricter verification standards when reporting social media content, particularly where public officials are involved, warning that accuracy must take priority over speed in news reporting.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting electoral integrity, strengthening digital communication systems, and preventing future social media impersonation and misinformation campaigns against public institutions.
INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan
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Recruitment: Police Announce Date for Nationwide Written Examination
Recruitment: Police Announce Date for Nationwide Written Examination
The Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has fixed April 28 to 30, 2026, for the written examination of candidates seeking recruitment into the Police Constable cadre across Nigeria.
The examination, which covers both General Duty and Specialist categories, will be conducted simultaneously at approved centres in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, only candidates who successfully passed the physical and credentials screening stages will be eligible to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process.
The PSC directed shortlisted applicants to log on to the official recruitment portal, npfapplication.psc.gov.ng, from Friday, April 24, 2026, to print their Examination Invitation Cards. The card will contain details such as the candidate’s assigned centre, date, and time of examination.
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Candidates are required to appear at their designated centres with the following items:
- A pen
- National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with a clear photograph
- Printed Examination Invitation Card
- White shorts, white T-shirt, and white canvas shoes as the official dress code
Authorities emphasised that strict compliance with instructions is mandatory, warning that failure to present required documents or adhere to guidelines may lead to disqualification.
The PSC also reiterated that the entire recruitment exercise remains free of charge, warning applicants to avoid fraudsters and job racketeers who may attempt to exploit the process.
“The Police Service Commission reiterated that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge and cautions applicants against any form of job racketeering, scam, or financial inducement. Any individual found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
The recruitment drive is part of ongoing efforts by the federal government to boost manpower within the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen internal security operations amid rising security challenges across the country.
Security analysts say the exercise is crucial to addressing personnel shortages in the force, improving response capacity, and enhancing policing at community levels.
Applicants have been advised to regularly check official communication channels for updates and avoid relying on unofficial sources to prevent misinformation.
Recruitment: Police Announce Date for Nationwide Written Examination
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MTN Credits Nigerians Airtime as NCC Enforces Poor Service Compensation Rule
MTN Credits Nigerians Airtime as NCC Enforces Poor Service Compensation Rule
Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has begun crediting subscribers with airtime as compensation for poor quality of service, following a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission aimed at enforcing stricter quality-of-service standards across the sector.
Subscribers across Nigeria have started receiving notification messages confirming the credits. One message read: “Dear Customer, your account has been credited with ₦341 airtime for quality of service issues in January 2026. Thank you for your understanding.” Similar alerts show varying amounts credited to users, depending on location and level of service disruption.
Reports indicate that compensation amounts differ widely, with some customers receiving as low as ₦20 or ₦91, while others reported ₦284, ₦341, and in some cases up to ₦900. The variation has raised questions among subscribers about how the figures were calculated and whether all affected users have been fully captured in the rollout.
The NCC had earlier directed MTN and other operators—including Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile—to compensate customers in areas where service performance fell below regulatory benchmarks between late 2025 and early 2026. The regulator said the initiative is part of a broader shift from punitive fines to direct consumer compensation, ensuring affected users benefit directly from enforcement actions.
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Under the framework, eligible subscribers must have experienced poor voice, SMS, or data service and recorded at least one billable activity during the affected period. The process is fully automated, with telecom operators required to identify impacted users using network performance data and credit accounts without requiring applications from subscribers.
The NCC said the compensation programme is designed to improve accountability in Nigeria’s telecom industry, following widespread complaints earlier in the year about dropped calls, slow data speeds, and network outages that disrupted business operations, online services, and daily communication.
Industry sources note that the regulator has intensified monitoring of service quality indicators, including call completion rates, data throughput, and network availability, as part of ongoing reforms in the Nigerian telecom sector.
MTN Nigeria has acknowledged the directive and said it is complying fully while continuing investments in network expansion and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving nationwide coverage and reducing service disruptions.
Despite the compensation rollout, some subscribers have expressed mixed reactions—welcoming the credits but questioning whether one-time airtime payments adequately address recurring service challenges.
The NCC has maintained that operators remain responsible for sustained compliance with service benchmarks and warned that further sanctions could follow if quality standards are not met consistently.
MTN Credits Nigerians Airtime as NCC Enforces Poor Service Compensation Rule
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After Six Years in Custody, Court Fixes Trial for Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Workers
After Six Years in Custody, Court Fixes Trial for Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Workers
A High Court in Bayelsa State has fixed May 22 for the continuation of trial in the long-running case involving 15 former domestic workers of ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan, bringing renewed attention to a matter that has lingered in the justice system for over six years.
The defendants have been in custody since 2019 over allegations that they stole jewellery and valuables reportedly worth hundreds of millions of naira from the former First Lady. Despite the seriousness of the charges, the case has suffered repeated adjournments, prolonged absence of the presiding judge, and failure to fix consistent hearing dates—factors that stalled proceedings even after the prosecution had closed its case.
At the last hearing, the matter had reached the stage where the defendants were expected to open their defence. However, delays persisted until recent developments, with sources indicating that increased media scrutiny and public pressure prompted judicial authorities to finally set a definite date for trial to resume.
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Families of the accused have continued to challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s case, alleging that key confessional statements presented in court were obtained under duress. Some of the defendants had earlier told the court they were subjected to torture during interrogation, raising concerns among rights advocates about human rights violations in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Relatives also alleged behind-the-scenes interference by officials, claiming efforts were made to keep the accused in prolonged detention and frustrate the progress of the trial. While these claims remain unproven in court, they have intensified public debate around judicial independence in Nigeria and the handling of high-profile cases.
The prolonged detention has had devastating consequences. One of the defendants, Sahabi Liman, died in custody after his health reportedly deteriorated. According to family accounts, he had earlier been granted bail on medical grounds and briefly showed signs of recovery before his condition worsened.
Other defendants are also said to be battling serious health conditions, with concerns raised over limited access to adequate medical care while in custody.
Legal observers note that the case underscores broader systemic issues, including delayed justice in Nigeria, prolonged pre-trial detention, and the rights of defendants awaiting trial. The principle that justice delayed is justice denied has been repeatedly cited in discussions surrounding the case.
With the May 22 date now fixed, attention will shift to the courtroom as the defendants prepare to present their defence in what has become one of the most closely watched prolonged detention cases involving aides to a high-profile political figure.
After Six Years in Custody, Court Fixes Trial for Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Workers
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