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Nigeria Police Charge 4 Journalists with Cybercrimes for Corruption Reporting

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Despite recent reforms to Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, journalists continue to be targeted for publishing news in the public interest, with four reporters being charged under the law last month, according to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide.

Nigeria Police Charge 4 Journalists with Cybercrimes for Corruption Reporting

Cybercrime laws and other regulations governing online content have been widely used to jail journalists around the world.

In Nigeria, at least 29 journalists have faced prosecution under the cybercrimes law since it was enacted in 2015.

CPJ had warned that February’s amendments to the law, which followed years of advocacy by human rights groups and CPJ, still left journalists at risk of prosecution due to an overly broad definition of what is a criminal offense. Since the law was reformed, it has been used to summon, intimidate, and detain journalists for their work.

On September 20, police in western Lagos State separately arrested Olurotimi Olawale, editor of the privately owned National Monitor newspaper, and Precious Eze Chukwunonso, publisher of the privately owned News Platform website, Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists’ president,  Abdulrahman Aliagan, told CPJ.

On September 25, police arrested Rowland Olonishuwa, a reporter with the privately owned Herald newspaper, in western Kwara state and Seun Odunlami, publisher of privately owned Newsjaunts website, in nearby Ogun state, Aliagan and Kwara-based journalist Dare Akogun told CPJ.

“Nigerian authorities should immediately release journalists, Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, and swiftly drop the cybercrime charges against them,” said Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa Program, from New York. “Since Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act became law, it has been used to arrest and prosecute journalists, and these arrests emphasize that the recent reforms to the law have not reversed that trend.”

On September 27, the four journalists were charged in a Lagos federal court with violating sections 24(1)(b) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act for reporting that implicated Segun Agbaje, chief executive officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, in alleged fraud worth 1 trillion naira (US$600 million) according to Aliagan, Akogun, and a copy of the charge sheet reviewed by CPJ.

Section 24 of Cybercrimes Act relates to pornographic or knowingly false messages “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order, posing a threat to life, or causing such messages to be sent,” according to a copy of the law’s amendments signed by President Bola Tinubu in February. Violation of this section is punishable with up to three years in prison and a fine of 7 million naira (US$4,200).

Section 27 relates to attempts to violate the law and conspiracy, as well as aiding and abetting. Conniving to commit “fraud using computer system(s) or network” carries a variable punishment based on the violation and/or up to seven years in prison and a requirement to refund or forfeit stolen funds, according to the same copy of the amendments.

The journalists pleaded not guilty and were remanded at a Lagos correctional center, pending a bail hearing on October 4, Aliagan and Akogun told CPJ.

Although the police compelled the journalists to take down their articles, Nigeria’s federal House of Representatives subsequently announced an investigation into the bank over fraud allegations.

GTBank’s chief communications officer Oyinade Adegite confirmed to CPJ by phone that the bank had sought to have the journalists charged with cybercrime over their reporting, which she said was “defamatory.”

CPJ’s call and text messages to request comment from Lagos State police spokesperson Hauwa Idris-Adamu on September 27 went unanswered.

 

Credit…. Committee to Protect Journalists


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9mobile Addresses Recent Service Outages, Apologizes for Inconvenience

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9mobile has apologized for the recent service outages experienced by its valued customers which has affected their ability to provide voice, data, internet services. “We understand the frustration these disruptions have caused and deeply regret the inconvenience.

“Our technical team has identified the root causes of the outages including a fire incident at our Main Data Centre in Lagos last night which severely impacted services especially in the Lagos and South-West.  We are grateful for the swift intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service, which helped prevent further damage.

“Prior to the fire incident, our network experienced major fibre interruptions leading to varying degrees of outages. We had a fibre cut on the backbone links in Lagos which led to a total data outage across the country.

“This was followed closely by two vandalism incidents in Lagos and Abuja, leading to total service outage in South-West and data service outage in the North.  Services have now been fully restored in the North & South-South States while restorations work is ongoing in others. We expect to fully restore services as soon as possible”

At 9mobile, customer satisfaction is remains top priority. “We value the trust you place in us and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Customers who continue to experience issues can reach out to our customer service team via our social media touchpoints or our experience centres”.

Once again, we sincerely apologize for the disruption and thank you for your continued support.


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NAF Delegation Visits Zinox Technologies, Discuss Partnership

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A high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently visited Zinox Technologies, Africa’s foremost integrated ICT solutions company, exploring avenues for a strategic partnership to strengthen the Air Force’s operational and technological infrastructure.

The delegation, led by AVM SK Usman, Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS), included notable figures such as Dr. Asogbon, Strategic Consultant on Communication, Air Commodore Isah, Commander of the 041 CIS Dep, Air Commodore AI Hanidu, Director of Information Technology, Air Commodore HC Usman, Director of Electronic Warfare, Squadron Leader Bilawu, and Group Captain Oloretore, Commander of the 641 CIS Group.

During the visit, NAF representatives commended Zinox Technologies for its significant contributions to technological development across Nigeria and Africa. They emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing critical needs, including the localization and implementation of robust data storage solutions at NAF headquarters and nationwide offices to ensure data security and accessibility, as well as deploying intelligent and advanced video surveillance systems to enhance security and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the discussions highlighted providing reliable and efficient alternative power solutions to support critical operations and establishing and equipping annex facilities to meet the NAF’s growing data storage and processing requirements. Both parties also proposed solutions to support the development of various data centres for the Air Force. These discussions underscored Zinox’s capability to meet NAF’s complex requirements, leveraging its experience and innovative technology offerings to enhance national security operations.

Zinox Technologies, known for its pioneering role in the African tech industry, has a proven track record and a rich history of impactful projects across Nigeria and the continent. The company has been instrumental in driving digital transformation initiatives, providing cutting-edge IT solutions, and supporting numerous sectors with innovative tech products.

The foremost tech company has executed several transformative initiatives, including Africa’s largest ICT voter registration rollout and impactful e-education and e-health projects in Nigeria. Zinox holds prestigious certifications such as the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification and ISO 9001:2000.

Zinox’s commitment to technological advancement has earned them a reputation as a leader in the African tech ecosystem, making them a trusted partner for the NAF’s ambitious projects.

By partnering with Zinox, the NAF aims to leverage indigenous cutting-edge technology to enhance its operational capabilities and contribute to the overall development of the Nigerian Air Force. This collaboration highlights Zinox’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to support Nigeria’s growth and development.

 


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Nasarawa Technology Village Attracts 12Bn Investments

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Modern Shelter Systems and Services Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading real estate firms has announced that the Nasarawa Technology Village has attracted investments of N12 billion since the project commenced.

Nasarawa Technology Village Attracts 12Bn Investments

The real estate firm added that it has officially commenced feasibility studies for the Aso-Pada Toll Road, which will catalyse the development of the tech-driven innovation hub, creating value for investors and transforming lives along the Keffi-Nyanya-Abuja corridor.

With the signing of the Aso-Pada Toll Road project, Modern Shelter said it is one step closer to realising the vision of Nasarawa Technology Village, which is powered by innovation as the project will connect communities, attract investments, and unlock socio-economic opportunities while providing sustainable, affordable housing for the future.

Commenting on the development, Abdulmalik Mahdi, chief executive officer, said that “The Aso-Pada Toll Road will serve as the backbone of Modern Shelter’s Nasarawa Technology Village, bringing 1,962 homes, a tech incubation centre and more to life.

“The Aso-Pada Toll Road will not only enhance connectivity but also drive the success of our Nasarawa Technology Village project, powered by NGN12.5 billion in investments. Together, we’re creating a hub for innovation, sustainability, and opportunity,” he explained.

 

 

 


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