Libya Arrests Two Nigerians Over “Inciting” Social Media Posts

Security forces in Tripoli, Libya, have arrested two Nigerian nationals in the coastal town of Qarabouli over allegations of spreading inciting content on social media. The suspects were detained for allegedly circulating videos and other online materials described by authorities as having an “inciting nature” that promoted violence and criminal activity. Libyan authorities said the content violated the country’s laws and posed a risk to public security and social stability, leading to the swift intervention of security forces in the coastal town.

According to security officials, both suspects have been formally charged and all preliminary legal procedures have been completed. They have since been referred to the Public Prosecution Office for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with Libyan criminal laws. The identities of the two Nigerians have not been disclosed by authorities at this time, and it remains unclear whether they have legal representation or have been in contact with the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli.

The arrests come amid increased scrutiny of social media activities in Libya, where security agencies have stepped up surveillance of digital platforms in recent years, citing concerns over content that could fuel unrest, promote violence, or undermine public order. In July 2024, the GNU-affiliated Presidential Council established the Public Morality Protection Agency, granting it broad, vaguely defined powers to police social media for content deemed immoral or harmful to Libyan values. According to human rights groups, the move threatens to infringe on Libyans’ freedom of expression online while also hindering online privacy and encouraging self-censorship, creating an environment where citizens are increasingly fearful of expressing their opinions online.

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Libya’s internet freedom environment has been described as repressive, with citizens practicing self-censorship or risking arrest and harassment for online posts on sensitive topics. Restrictive laws, arbitrary detentions targeting peaceful expression, and physical violence against online activists have been documented. In January 2025, Faisal Rajab al-Shikhi was arbitrarily detained in Benghazi by armed men from the Libyan Arab Armed Forces and forcibly disappeared because of a video he had posted years earlier critical of LAAF commander Khalifa Haftar, highlighting the severe consequences that can arise from online expression in the country.

The country ranks 138th out of 180 nations in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, with Reporters Without Borders describing Libya as a “veritable information black hole.” Most traditional media outlets have fled the country or aligned with warring factions, leaving Libyans to turn to social media for dialogue—a platform that remains conducive to radicalization and the dissemination of hate speech, but also subject to government crackdown. The Anti-Cybercrime Law No.5-2022 has further extended restrictions to the digital sphere, forcing journalists and citizens to severely self-censor or risk prosecution or arrest, creating a chilling effect on free expression across the country.

This latest case adds to a pattern of legal issues involving Nigerian nationals in Libya. In March 2026, authorities arrested six Nigerians—one male and five females—in Tripoli for alleged drug trafficking, with authorities seizing large quantities of cocaine intended for distribution. The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the latest social media arrests, though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to engage with Libyan authorities to ensure that the suspects receive fair legal representation and that their rights are protected throughout the judicial process.

Libya Arrests Two Nigerians Over “Inciting” Social Media Posts

Court Declares PENGASSAN Strike Against Dangote Refinery Illegal, Labels Crude Supply Disruption ‘Economic Sabotage’

An industrial court sitting in Garki, Abuja, has declared the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Petroleum Refinery illegal, ruling that the union failed to follow due process before commencing the industrial action.

In a landmark judgment delivered on Wednesday, the presiding judge, Justice E.D. Subilim, held that the strike, which disrupted operations at Africa’s largest refinery project, was null and void.

The court also ruled that PENGASSAN had no legal authority to prevent crude oil and gas suppliers from carrying out their contractual obligations to the refinery, describing the union’s actions in cutting off supplies as capable of causing significant economic damage.

Justice Subilim stated that the disruption of crude and gas supply amounted to an act of economic sabotage because it could force suppliers to breach legally binding agreements with the Dangote Refinery.

The suit was instituted by the refinery through its counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), following the industrial dispute that erupted late last year.

The conflict was triggered by the dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers by the refinery. PENGASSAN had alleged that the affected employees were targeted because of their decision to join the union, a claim that sparked nationwide protests and threats to the refinery’s operations.

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As tensions escalated, the union declared a nationwide strike and moved to pressure suppliers by disrupting crude and gas deliveries to the multi-billion-dollar facility located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

The dispute quickly drew national attention due to the strategic importance of the refinery to Nigeria’s energy security, fuel supply and foreign exchange earnings.

At the height of the crisis, the Federal Government intervened through a series of marathon negotiations involving the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The intervention eventually led to the suspension of the strike on October 1, 2025, paving the way for further discussions while the matter remained before the court.

In his judgment, Justice Subilim emphasized that labour unions must operate within the confines of the law when pursuing industrial disputes, stressing that actions capable of disrupting critical national infrastructure and commercial contracts could not be justified outside established legal procedures.

However, the court declined Dangote Refinery’s claim for N50 billion in damages against PENGASSAN. The judge ruled that the company failed to provide sufficient justification for the amount sought, and consequently refused to award the compensation.

Other defendants in the suit included the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for labour relations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly regarding the limits of union actions in disputes involving strategic national assets and critical energy infrastructure.

Court Declares PENGASSAN Strike Against Dangote Refinery Illegal, Labels Crude Supply Disruption ‘Economic Sabotage’

Kebbi Police Arrest School Guard for Alleged Defilement of 10-Year-Old Girl

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old security guard attached to an Islamiyya school in Jega Local Government Area for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, where he paraded the suspect alongside others arrested for various crimes. The suspect, identified as Faruku Muhammed of Tungar Zabarmawa area in Jega, was arrested following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family. According to police reports, the incident occurred on June 14, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m. when the suspect allegedly lured the girl into his room located within the Islamiyya school premises where he worked as a security guard. The police did not disclose the name of the school involved in the incident.

Reading from the official police report, CP Hadejia detailed the allegations: *“On 14/06/2026 at about 1630hrs one Faruku Muhammed M aged 36yrs of Tungar Zabarmawa area Jega, LGA, lured one Naja’atu Surajo F aged 10yrs of the same address in to his room located inside an Islamiyya School where he works as a Security Guard and had sexual intercourse with her by inserting his finger inside her vagina. Case under investigation and will be prosecuted accordingly.”* The young girl reportedly sustained injuries and was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation, though the police did not disclose the extent of her injuries or the name of the hospital where she received care.

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CP Hadejia assured the public that the case is under investigation and the suspect will be prosecuted accordingly if found culpable. He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society, urging parents and guardians to promptly report cases of abuse, exploitation, and other crimes affecting minors. The police commissioner also encouraged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring that reports involving child abuse would receive prompt attention and that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

The school guard’s arrest was announced during a press briefing that also covered other security breakthroughs in the state. These included the arrest of four suspected members of the Mamudawa group allegedly involved in supplying logistics to terrorists, as well as the rescue of a kidnapped victim. CP Hadejia used the platform to commend the cooperation of security agencies, vigilante groups, and the Civilian Joint Task Force, describing their collaboration as vital to the ongoing fight against insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes in the state.

The incident has drawn reactions from parents, education stakeholders, and child protection groups, who have called for a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victim. Advocates have urged authorities to strengthen screening and monitoring processes for non-teaching staff working in schools, stressing the need for stricter background checks and improved child protection measures to ensure the safety of pupils. According to child rights experts, many informal learning centers and community-based educational institutions still operate without comprehensive safeguarding frameworks, leaving children vulnerable to abuse in environments where they are expected to learn and receive moral guidance. Child rights organizations have consistently urged school proprietors, religious institutions, and government authorities to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure that anyone working closely with children undergoes proper screening and monitoring, including background checks and regular supervision.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigators prepare the case for possible prosecution. Legal experts suggest that if found guilty, the suspect could face severe penalties under Nigerian law, including life imprisonment, as the country’s child protection laws provide for strict punishment for offenders who commit sexual offenses against minors. Meanwhile, child protection advocates have called on the Kebbi State Government to provide counseling and psychological support for the young victim to help her recover from the traumatic experience, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional wounds of survivors.

Kebbi Police Arrest School Guard for Alleged Defilement of 10-Year-Old Girl