News
Tinubu Hails DSS DG Ajayi for Championing Press Freedom in IPI Award Recognition
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), on receiving a commendation award from the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) for his outstanding commitment to press freedom.
The prestigious recognition was bestowed on Ajayi during the IPI’s Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja. The organisation praised Ajayi, who assumed office in late August 2024, for demonstrating “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.
“In a statement, the IPI noted that the award aims not only to acknowledge Ajayi’s commendable record but also to encourage him to build on these efforts and inspire other public officials and institutions to follow suit.
President Tinubu welcomed the honour, commending the DSS chief for promoting press freedom, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and operating strictly within legal boundaries.
He highlighted that under Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS is shifting away from past perceptions of hostility toward the media, instead fostering dialogue and constructive engagement with journalists and the broader public.
The President urged other security agencies and government officials to adopt a similar collaborative approach, treating the media as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries.
He further encouraged the DSS to sustain its positive trajectory, ensuring an enabling environment for journalists to fulfil their constitutional role of holding public officials accountable.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
News
JUST IN: Mob Sets BRT Bus Ablaze After Motorcyclist’s Death in Lagos
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
News
ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
News
Meta removes 3.7 million accounts in West Africa scam crackdown
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has removed more than 3.7 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, pages and groups linked to suspected scam networks operating in West Africa.
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
The company announced the crackdown in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. It involved 14 technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency coordinated the operation with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. Nigerian authorities were involved.
Other countries included Ghana, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India.Tech companies that took part included Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, Starlink and Adobe.
Meta said the partnership let participants share intelligence across digital platforms, countries and financial systems to identify criminal networks.
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