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Groups Condemn Detention Of Journalist Akuwudike Over Viral Interview Alleging Akpabio Smear Campaign, Demand Immediate Release

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Akuwudike was reportedly arrested at around 3 a.m. on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, shortly after an interview he gave on the Adeola Fayehun YouTube channel went viral.

A coalition of press freedom and human rights organisations has condemned the arrest and detention of journalist and media activist Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike by the Nigeria Police Force, calling for his immediate release and respect for due process.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the groups— including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding (Kaduna), Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), and several others— described Akuwudike’s arrest as arbitrary and politically motivated.

 

Akuwudike was reportedly arrested at around 3 a.m. on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, shortly after an interview he gave on the Adeola Fayehun YouTube channel went viral.

In the interview, he alleged that he was paid ₦2.5 million by Sandra Duru (aka Prof Mgbeke) to produce defamatory content against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He also implicated Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the political and financial sponsor behind the alleged smear campaign.

“His arrest, occurring in the dead of night and without any clear charge or recourse to legal counsel, raises deep concerns about political interference, suppression of press freedom, and the violation of constitutional rights guaranteed under Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the coalition said.

“We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of intimidation and criminalization of journalists and whistleblowers who dare to expose high-level corruption and political misconduct.”

 

“The fact that this arrest follows closely on the heels of explosive revelations implicating senior government officials lends credence to fears that the police are being used as a tool of political persecution,” it added.

 

The coalition criticised the police for detaining Akuwudike without clear charges and denying him access to legal counsel, calling the move a violation of his constitutional rights under Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The groups warned that the arrest fits into a worrying pattern of intimidation and criminalisation of journalists and whistleblowers exposing corruption and political misconduct.

 

They demanded Akuwudike’s “immediate and unconditional release of Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, or a prompt arraignment before a competent court of law if any legitimate charges exist”.

 

They also called for respect for his rights to legal representation and family access, along with a “transparent and independent investigation into the claims made by Akuwudike concerning the alleged smear campaign and the involvement of high-ranking officials”.

 

The coalition further urged the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun to uphold the rule of law and refrain from using law enforcement as a tool to silence dissenting voices.

The statement concluded with a call on civil society, media organisations, and the international community to remain vigilant and speak out in defence of press freedom and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

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Police arrest popular TikToker Peller over reckless driving

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, following a viral video that showed him driving recklessly and crashing his vehicle during a live stream.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi. According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and sparked widespread public outrage.

The command said the influencer’s conduct posed a serious threat to public safety and required immediate intervention.

“The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained, for further investigation, Habeeb Hamzat aka ‘PELLER’, subsequent to the viral video that surfaced online on Sunday 14th December, 2025, in which he was seen driving recklessly, leading to a dangerous road crash and serious motor accident, while the incident was being live streamed, thereby endangering his life and that of other road users,” the statement said.

The police described the act as extremely dangerous, warning that it could have resulted in fatal consequences for both the suspect and other road users.

“His action constitutes a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and endangers the lives of other innocent people,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.

“The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and the suspect will be charged to the court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law,” the police said.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a strong warning to social media influencers and the general public against using online platforms to promote unlawful behavior.

 

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PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS FORMER CJN, JUSTICE TANKO MUHAMMAD

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received with deep sadness the news of the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

Justice Tanko, 71, from Bauchi State, died on Tuesday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022.

President Tinubu describes the late Justice Tanko as an eminent legal mind, a disciplined administrator, and a dedicated public servant who devoted most of his life to upholding justice and strengthening the judiciary.

The President notes that the deceased’s career on the Bench, which culminated in his appointment as CJN, was marked by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

President Tinubu says the late jurist made invaluable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s legal system, acknowledging that his legacy will remain indelible, particularly among those he mentored.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to his family, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Bar and Bench, and the government and people of Bauchi State.

He prays to Almighty Allah for the repose of his soul.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
16th December, 2025

 

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Actress Doris Ogala doubles down on claims against Pastor Chris Okafor, insists on compensation or marriage

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Actress Doris Ogala has intensified her allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor, insisting she was in a long-term relationship with him from 2017 and was promised marriage.

Speaking emotionally, Doris claimed she supported the pastor privately, bought gifts for his children, and stayed loyal for years, only to be abandoned when he decided to marry someone else.

She accused those online, including Dee One, of taking money to do “damage control,” stressing that her demands are legal, not blackmail. According to her, she is seeking compensation for emotional damage, career loss, and broken promises, adding that her lawyer is already preparing formal demands.

Doris also admitted to phone-based intimacy during her troubled marriage but denied any physical affair at the time. She maintained she has evidence to back her claims and alleged she is not the only woman Pastor Chris promised marriage.

“I’m not backing down. This is my right,” she said, warning that she is ready to speak fully if pushed further.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVHaVegjI7/?igsh=ZG1jNWNnZjN4YWZt

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