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Nigerian Editor arrested in Benin Republic, branded a “Jihadist”

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2 years ago

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Damilola Ayeni

Nigerian Editor arrested in Benin Republic, branded a “Jihadist”

The Editor of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Damilola Ayeni, has been taken into custody by police in the neighboring West African nation of Republic of Benin.

According to FIJ, Ayeni was detained by Benin officials while visiting the nation for the second session of a Nigeria-Benin environmental journalism report in the country’s major city.

In a report, FIJ said it received a distress text from Ayeni but it was deleted within seconds of delivery on one of its communication channels. The text read: “I have just been arrested.”

The report said no other message followed the text and Ayeni consequently told his colleagues on a phone call that he was briefly held because the Beninese police said that there were security concerns in the area.

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FIJ later said the release-and-rearrest tactic is often used by Beninese police to keep their captives in the station without alerting their friends and relatives.

The investigative media organisation could not get in touch with Ayeni until the early hours of Tuesday when a man who identified himself as the ‘Commissioner of the Central Police Station of Parakou in Benin’ said that the editor was being held at Commisseria Central, Parakou Police Station.

“Hello sir, I am the Commissioner of the Central Police Station of Parakou in Benin. Do you know Mr. Damilola of Nigerian nationality?” he asked in his opening text, before adding: “He is arrested in Penjari [sic] Park in northern Benin for jihadist [sic]. He would [sic] be presented to the prosecutor and sent to prison. He risks 10 to 20 years in prison. What do you think of his situation, sir?”

The said officer communicated with FIJ on WhatsApp with the number +22946066050, with the profile name ‘Agnisso Lounko’.

The report added that FIJ is currently making efforts to establish physical contact with Ayeni in Parakou.

Nigerian Editor arrested in Benin Republic, branded a “Jihadist”

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FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday 

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15 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday 

By Dada Jackson

 

The Federal Ministry of Works has informed the motoring public of the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) in Lagos, commencing on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.

It said in a statement on Monday that the closure was necessary to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.

The closure will affect people travelling from the Ahmadu Bello Way & Adeola Odeku Road towards Marina, Eko Bridge and Onikan by Zone 2, according to the statement.

The independence bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025 for the repairs, it added.

Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes, it stated.

“The Federal Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety and stability of our road infrastructure,” the statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Engr. (Mrs) O I Kesha, said.

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Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

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21 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

The Lagos State government, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, has launched the ‘My Lagos App’ aimed at making urban living in the state more seamless and efficient. The app was unveiled at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos in a bid to make urban life in the city seamless and easy.

The app is designed to provide a range of features that enhance various activities, promoting economic growth, accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the importance of this digital solution in a rapidly growing city like Lagos. The app serves as a vital link between the government and citizens, promoting accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

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“The app is a comprehensive digital solution that provides seamless access to essential city services, including real-time traffic updates, personalised navigation, emergency services, utility payment services, business listings, and tourism information; the app will serve as a vital link between the the government and the citizens, it simplifies access to public services, promotes accountability and transparency, provide real time update,”Mr Governor said

Sanwo- Olu emphasised the importance of such collaboration between the government and private sectors, adding that “this partnership exemplifies the power of synergy between the Public and private sectors in driving meaningful progress.”

The governor encouraged Lagos residents to make use of this platform “as we are now in the digital age as technology is no longer luxury but necessity “I urge everyone in Lagos to embrace this app, download it, explore its features and fully utilize the services that it offers,” he said.

Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

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TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

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22 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who has claimed to have received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, backed Uguamaye’s stance, suggesting that her comments were born out of frustration. Osifo urged the government to show tolerance toward critics rather than target them.

He emphasized the importance of allowing room for constructive criticism, which is vital for a healthy democracy.

However, Osifo also advised critics to maintain a level of decorum and ensure their critiques are within acceptable norms, promoting respectful dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.

He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.

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“Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired.

“So, I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”

Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after a video she posted criticising government policies went viral.

She later claimed to have faced threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.

In the video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Raye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.

She criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to easing citizens’ hardships.

However, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement regarding the issue.

 

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

(Punch)

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