Foundation Sues TikTok Over Alleged Restrictions in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto

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Foundation Sues TikTok Over Alleged Restrictions in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto

The Foundation for Digital Justice has sued TikTok Inc. at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged restrictions on access to the platform in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states. The organisation is asking the court to order TikTok to restore access to millions of users in the affected states. The suit was filed on October 5, 2026, by the Foundation’s lead counsel, Festus Ogun. It was brought under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009. The Foundation alleged that the restrictions violated Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination. Users Report Access Problems In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the Foundation’s legal officer, Abidat Idowu, said users in the four states began experiencing difficulties accessing TikTok around September 11. By September 14, she said, access to the platform had become “completely restricted and inaccessible to millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States.” According to the affidavit, users on regular mobile data connections were affected. Their feeds were reportedly freezing, while videos failed to load and uploads repeatedly stalled. “These users cannot load videos, refresh their feeds and upload content on TikTok,” Idowu stated. The Foundation further alleged that the disruption had prevented affected users from accessing and sharing information or participating in online discussions. “Millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States are left out of access to information, they cannot disseminate information, they cannot receive information and cannot express their opinions on the Respondent’s TikTok’s platform owing to the restriction and/or disruption,” the affidavit stated. Foundation Alleges Discrimination The organisation said some affected users had been able to regain access by using virtual private networks, commonly known as VPNs. It also alleged that TikTok remained fully accessible to users in other parts of Nigeria. “Disturbingly, except in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States, users in all other parts of Nigeria continue to enjoy unrestricted and unfettered access and usage of Respondent’s TikTok App,” Idowu stated. The Foundation argued that TikTok had not provided an explanation for the alleged difference in access. “The Respondent has also not provided any explanation for the obvious exclusion, discrimination and restriction of access against all TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States,” the affidavit said. The organisation wants the court to determine whether the alleged restriction violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It is also asking the court to determine whether the alleged differential treatment violates Section 42 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the African Charter, which protect against discrimination. TikTok Access Described as Critical The Foundation argued that TikTok has become more than an entertainment platform in Nigeria. According to the organisation, the platform is widely used for communication, journalism, business, civic participation, and political and social discourse. “The Respondent’s platform is very critical for communication, journalism, civic participation, business, political and social discourse in Nigeria and the restriction of millions of TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States has unduly excluded them,” it said. The Foundation also argued that activities such as posting, liking, reposting and replying to content constitute forms of expression. It stated that users affected by the alleged restriction were prevented from viewing, posting, replying to, reposting or liking content on TikTok. The organisation therefore described the alleged restrictions as an exclusion of residents of the four states from what it termed a public forum. What the Foundation Wants The Foundation is seeking several orders from the court. It wants the alleged restrictions to be declared “wrongful, unconstitutional, arbitrary” and a violation of the right to freedom of expression. It is also asking the court to declare that restricting users in the four states while allowing access elsewhere in Nigeria amounts to discrimination. In addition, the organisation wants TikTok to immediately restore access to affected users. It is seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the company from imposing similar restrictions on users in the affected states, or elsewhere in Nigeria, without lawful justification. The Foundation is also asking the court to order TikTok to publish a public apology in three national newspapers within seven days of judgment. It said the legal action was necessary to protect digital rights and uphold the rule of law. “This lawsuit is imperative for the enforcement of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination and preservation of the rule of law,” the affidavit stated. The Foundation further argued that unless the reliefs sought were granted, the alleged violations would continue to affect millions of TikTok users in the four states.

FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

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FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft crashed on Monday while it was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. According to the NAF, five crew members and 20 passengers were on board. No survivor has been found following the crash, the Air Force said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. NAF Releases Names of Victims The five crew members who lost their lives have been identified as: Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician The 20 passengers have been identified as: Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye Flying Officer IM Adeshina Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F Master Warrant Officer Matini BA Warrant Officer Nuhu FS Flight Sergeant James RB Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI Sergeant Ani AE Sergeant Izibenikien SI Sergeant Alafuka C Sergeant Mbadugha AN Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC Lance Corporal Eledan GE Mrs Ezeh Nneka Godstmine Tarabina Joy Micheal Sunday Micheal Ukeme David Gideon Omotola NAF Begins Investigation According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash. The response was carried out in coordination with relevant authorities as efforts were made to locate and account for everyone on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims. He also assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period. The NAF said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses. The public was also urged to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information. The Air Force appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families. Condolence Register Opened in Abuja Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to the Service, the register is available for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to the victims and sympathise with their families. The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates on the investigation and the recovery efforts.

Why JAMB Is Taking UTME to Canada – Registrar

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Why JAMB Is Taking UTME to Canada – Registrar

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has explained its decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than generating revenue. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, said the proposed centre in Ottawa would serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America who wish to sit the UTME for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Aina gave the explanation in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, following questions over the planned centre, which is expected to begin operations for the 2027 UTME. He said JAMB currently conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries as part of efforts to make the examination accessible to eligible candidates abroad. “UTME is currently being written in about 10 countries as a service to enhance access to education. We also conduct the exams in correctional service centres for the same reason. So the number of candidates is not the main driving force,” Aina wrote. The registrar noted that although JAMB has examination centres in several African countries, there was previously no centre in North America. He said the board had received enquiries from prospective candidates in the region and expected interest to increase following the announcement of the Ottawa centre. Explaining who would use the centre, Aina said Nigerians relocate abroad every year for different reasons, including children of public servants posted overseas. “Anyone of the 100s of people who move back yearly for one reason or the other, including the children of many service personnel with tenured postings all around the world,” he said. Aina also dismissed concerns that JAMB would have to acquire or rent a building and employ additional staff to operate the centre. According to him, the board partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME, using temporary spaces within high commission premises and relying on available staff to assist with the examination. “We partner with the Nigerian High Commissions in the various countries. We set up temporary spaces within their premises and use their staff to assist us run the exams,” he said. He further disclosed that no money had been spent on the proposed Canadian centre, explaining that discussions began after he used a visit to Canada for a conference to explore the possibility. “Not a single kobo has gone into this exploration so far — I was in Canada for a conference and used the opportunity to make the connection,” he wrote. Aina said JAMB would not maintain a permanent facility or computer-based test centre in Ottawa. Instead, the examination is expected to take place within the Nigerian High Commission’s premises to keep costs low. He maintained that JAMB’s foreign examination centres were established primarily to improve access to Nigerian tertiary education, rather than on financial considerations. Responding to concerns about demand in North America, Aina said the absence of a centre in the region had previously made it impossible for candidates there to sit the UTME. “There couldn’t have been any candidates in North America since we didn’t have any centres there, sir. You are making our point whilst seeming to argue against it,” he wrote. JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the decision, saying the board had received indications of interest from more than 100 candidates who want to sit the examination in Canada. “How will you feel if you know that over 100 candidates have already indicated their interest to sit the exam in Canada. Let us promote the nation please,” Benjamin wrote. The planned Ottawa centre is expected to begin operations with the 2027 UTME and will provide eligible Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America with access to the examination without having to travel to Nigeria.

No Survivor Found Yet as Aiyedatiwa Speaks on Ondo Air Crash

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FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said no survivor has been found following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state. Aiyedatiwa disclosed this during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, saying residents, security personnel and emergency responders had searched the crash site but had not found anyone alive. The governor said he received information about the incident at about 10:30am after the chairman of the local government contacted him. According to him, residents living across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area. He explained that the Nigerian Navy initially held back to determine whether the crash had caused a fire or explosion before moving towards the site. “When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people,” Aiyedatiwa said. He added that officials of the local emergency management agency, residents and personnel of the Amotekun Corps later joined the search and rescue operation. However, the governor said no survivor had been located as of the time of the interview. “But from the information we got, no single life was saved up to this moment. They could not see any living soul that was in that aircraft,” he said. Aiyedatiwa said search teams recovered parts of the aircraft, including pieces of the wings, identification cards and military uniforms. The findings, he said, helped confirm that the aircraft was a military plane. “But they saw the ruins, some of the wreckage from the wings of the aircraft, you know, some ID cards, I was told, and then uniform. That was when they knew it was a military aircraft,” he said. The governor described the incident as a painful development, particularly because it occurred in Ondo State and his home local government. He also expressed sympathy for the military personnel involved, describing them as officers assigned to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that an ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931 crashed in Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said search and rescue operations were still ongoing as authorities continued efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

Breaking News:Helicopter Crashes in Ondo, Several Feared Dead

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FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

  Several people are feared dead after a helicopter crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday. The helicopter reportedly went down in a swampy area within the Igbokoda creek, making it difficult for residents to reach the crash site. A local source said residents heard a loud sound in the area before discovering that the helicopter had crashed. “We heard a very loud sound in the area where the incident occurred, but we could not get there because the place is a swampy area inside the creek. We are just looking at it from afar,” the source said. The source added that police and military personnel later arrived at the scene to begin rescue efforts, although there were fears that some of the occupants may have died. The exact number of casualties was not immediately known as of the time of filing this report. Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had commenced an investigation into the crash. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said details of the incident were still emerging. “The Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026. Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue,” Jimoh said. He urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. “The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” he added. Meanwhile, the cause of the crash, the identity of the helicopter and the confirmed number of casualties remain unknown as authorities continue their investigation.

Anambra Govt Tells Voters to Resist Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Election

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Anambra Govt Tells Voters to Resist Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Election

The Anambra State Government has urged voters in the state to reject the presidential bid of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 general election, accusing the former governor of working against the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The state government made the call on Monday through its official X account, managed by the New Media Office of Governor Charles Soludo. In a strongly worded post directed at APGA supporters, the government accused Obi of abandoning and working to weaken the party that produced him as governor. It wrote, “A betrayal alert for Ndi APGA. Since 2014, Obi has had one mission: to destroy the party that made him.” The government also alleged that while President Bola Tinubu supported APGA, Obi backed opposition interests against the party. “Do not be deceived by a man who abandoned his own house. Anambra is APGA. Ndi APGA, defend your home, resist the NDC,” the post added. The development comes amid growing political differences between Obi and Soludo ahead of the 2027 election. Soludo has publicly expressed support for Tinubu, citing their long-standing friendship and the President’s economic reforms. APGA has also formally adopted Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate for 2027 and decided not to field its own presidential candidate. APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, previously explained that the party’s decision followed consultations within its leadership and a resolution of its National Executive Committee. The latest clash also comes against the backdrop of a recent disagreement between Obi and Soludo over financial obligations linked to projects implemented during Obi’s tenure as Anambra governor. Obi had rejected the description of the obligations as “debt owed by Peter Obi,” arguing that the facilities in question were largely World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development programmes negotiated by the Federal Government and accessed by states through subsidiary arrangements. He also maintained that the figures being cited should be separated into approved amounts, funds actually drawn and outstanding balances at the time he left office. Obi further stated that he did not personally approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue a bond on behalf of Anambra State. The former governor has yet to publicly respond to the Anambra Government’s latest allegation that he betrayed APGA. The latest exchange further highlights the growing political divide between Obi and the Soludo-led APGA camp as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election intensify.

NYSC Kidnap: Kidnappers Slash Ransom to N100m as Parents Raise Alarm Over Beatings

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NYSC Kidnap: Kidnappers Slash Ransom to N100m as Parents Raise Alarm Over Beatings

Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reduced their ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim, bringing the total demand down from N1 billion to N100 million. The development, however, has failed to ease the anxiety of the victims’ families, who say the abducted graduates are being beaten by their captors. One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said on Sunday that the kidnappers had subjected the victims to physical assault since Friday. She appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate rescue. “The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each. They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each,” Akande said. The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha Road. The parents also disputed reports that 10 passengers were rescued by security operatives, saying those who escaped did so by fleeing into the bush. Akande said the families remained under intense pressure as they struggled to raise the ransom, adding that one of the abducted victims had been allowed to communicate with his father. According to her, the kidnappers were allegedly monitoring the family’s ability to raise money through the phone conversations. “They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said. The parent added, “We appeal to the government at all levels to please assist us in getting them rescued out of that place. They have started beating them.” Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured the families that efforts were ongoing to rescue their children unharmed. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue,” Ladoja said. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, also said he had been in contact with the Imo State Police Command over the incident. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he said. The Imo State Police Command later confirmed that security agencies were closing in on the victims, while the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, said all relevant agencies were collaborating to secure their release. Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said, “We’re conducting the operation and gradually closing in. We will keep you posted.” Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had earlier disclosed that security operatives had identified the suspected camp where the victims were being held but were exercising caution over intelligence that the location had been mined with improvised explosive devices. He said drones were used to locate the camp after security operatives tracked the kidnappers into the bush, adding that bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers were being prepared for the rescue operation. The abduction has also triggered renewed calls for reforms to the NYSC scheme. The African Democratic Congress called for the temporary suspension of the scheme to allow the Federal Government to reorganise it and strengthen security measures for corps members. Other political parties and public figures, including the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, also condemned the abduction and demanded the immediate and safe rescue of the victims. Sowore called for the suspension and eventual scrapping of the NYSC scheme, while Peter Obi urged the government to rescue the corps members and arrest those responsible. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern after confirming that at least three of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, said the institution remained in solidarity with the affected families and was praying for the safe return of all the victims. As security agencies intensify efforts to reach the suspected kidnappers’ hideout, the families continue to appeal for urgent intervention to ensure that the 20 prospective corps members return home safely.

Julius Agwu Reveals Brain Surgery Affected His Sexual Function

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Julius Agwu Reveals Brain Surgery Affected His Sexual Function

Nigerian comedian and actor Julius Agwu has revealed that he experienced sexual dysfunction after undergoing brain surgery in the United States in 2015. Agwu made the disclosure during a recent episode of the Beer Parlour Talk Show, where he discussed the effects of the surgery on his body, career and personal life. Responding to a question about whether the brain condition or surgery affected other parts of his body, Agwu said, “After I do am, prick no dey work again now. He no dey work.” Other guests on the programme discussed the possible connection between nerves involved in the procedure and the effects Agwu described. The comedian underwent surgery in 2015 after doctors discovered three tumours in his brain, one of which was reportedly the size of a golf ball. He has previously spoken about the health crisis and its impact on his life and career. During the programme, Agwu also reflected on his contribution to Nigerian comedy, particularly his role in developing music comedy. “Music comedy na me form am o, that is to tell you how my brain dey work,” he said. He later became emotional while discussing his career and the feeling of being abandoned by some of his friends following his health challenges. “God wey I dey serve, anybody wey get hand for wetin happen to me. I go dey look. My friends deserted me. They stopped talking to me, many of them. It is well,” Agwu said. Agwu remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, known for combining music and comedy in his performances and for his work in Nollywood.

Kidnappers Demand ₦1bn Ransom for 20 Oyo NYSC Members

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Kidnappers Demand ₦1bn Ransom for 20 Oyo NYSC Members

Kidnappers who abducted 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps have demanded ₦1 billion for their release. The parents of the victims disclosed this on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, alongside the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri. The 20 graduates were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. According to the parents, the abductors have been contacting them through the phones of the victims and demanded ₦50 million for each person, amounting to ₦1 billion. “They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request. “There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” the parents pleaded. The families appealed to the Olubadan and the police to intervene and secure the immediate release of the victims. Responding, Ladoja assured the parents that efforts were underway to rescue the victims safely. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said. Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police said he had contacted his Imo State counterpart over the incident and was assured that the victims would be rescued unharmed. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” Abimbola said. The police did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide further details about the ongoing rescue operation.

(PHOTOS):GOC 2 Division visits, Charges Oyo, Osun Troops to Remain Professional, Proactive

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(PHOTOS):GOC 2 Division visits, Charges Oyo, Osun Troops to Remain Professional, Proactive

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection of the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The visit was aimed at ensuring the smooth take-off of the new formations and enabling the troops to immediately commence their constitutional responsibilities across the two states. Addressing the soldiers, the GOC urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and conduct, warning that he would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour. He also reminded the troops that their actions could affect the image of the Nigerian Army and urged them to maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities. According to Mahmuda, the establishment of the new formations reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, strategy to increase the number of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. He also noted that the Army was working to improve troops’ welfare under the COAS’s “Soldiers First” concept, urging personnel to reciprocate by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action. Meanwhile, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town. They also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC for the new unit and pledged their support for its operations in the community.

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