Politics
Iruefi, CEO of Reportera, Cries Out Over DSS Abduction of His Brother Amid Fashola Lawsuit
In a concerning development that underscores the delicate balance between press freedom and legal actions, the Managing Director of Reportera, Mr. Iruefi, took to Twitter to address the recent arrest of his brother by the Department of State Services (DSS). The arrest follows a lawsuit filed by former Minister of Works and Housing, who is also a former governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, against Reportera and individuals on allegations of defamation and cyber-stalking.

The saga began when Reportera published a news article, “Nigerian Army Secures Fashola’s Residence Amidst PEPT Controversy,” which discussed Fashola’s alleged involvement in a controversial verdict at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT). Fashola, known for his political ties, promptly filed a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police, accusing Reportera and others of character assassination and false allegations.
Since becoming aware of the lawsuit, Mr. Iruefi had been anticipating an official call. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when his brother, Chike Victor Ibezim, was arrested in his place. In response, Mr. Iruefi has expressed his concerns on Twitter, detailing the events leading up to the arrest of his brother.


According to the information available and provided by Mr. Iruefi, the DSS reportedly apprehended his brother based on Fashola’s petition, which raised questions about the manner in which the situation was handled. Despite no formal invitation or explanation from the DSS, Iruefi’s brother was taken into custody, prompting worries about his safety and well-being.
The central issue at hand appears to be the delicate interplay between freedom of the press and the legal repercussions of publishing certain information. Reportera’s article sparked a chain of events that has brought the organization’s practices and the actions of the DSS into focus. Mr. Iruefi made it clear that the report published by Reportera was based on existing information and was labeled as a rumor, indicating that the intention was not to propagate false allegations but rather to report on ongoing discussions.
Key Concerns Surrounding the Arrest and Detention Of Reportera’s CEO Brother by the DSS: An In-Depth Examination
1. Arrest Without Warrant and Violation of Rights: The arrest of Mr. Iruefi’s brother, particularly when he was not declared a person of interest in the case, raises serious legal and constitutional concerns. This is legally known as an “arrest in lieu.” In Nigeria, established laws condemn such actions, highlighting their illegality and violation of constitutional rights. The absence of a warrant and the lack of affiliation with Reportera further underscore the questionable nature of the arrest.
2. Human Rights Violation: The arrest of Mr. Chike Victor Ibezim, who has no known affiliation with Reportera publications, is a direct violation of his human rights. As an individual unrelated to the case and without any obvious warrant, his rights to liberty and due process have been disregarded. This underscores the necessity of upholding the fundamental rights of individuals, regardless of their association with a particular case.
3. Right to Legal Recourse and Damages: Should Mr. Ibezim be released, he has every right to pursue legal action against the Department of State Services (DSS) or SSS and other involved perpetrators for the infringement of his rights. The violation of his rights and the unjustified arrest warrant the pursuit of legal remedies, including seeking damages for the harm caused.
4. Violation of Arrest Procedures and Police Act of 2020: The Police Act of 2020 explicitly mandates that upon the arrest of an individual, their family or relatives must be notified of the detention. In this case, the fact that Mr. Ibezim was not allowed to contact anyone for 24 hours as explained by Mr. Iruefi, raises concerns about the adherence to proper arrest procedures. Detaining an individual without proper notification to their family contradicts the law.
5. Legality of Arrest Duration and Proper Arrest Procedures: Section 35 (4) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates that individuals accused of committing offenses and arrested should be presented before a court within 24 hours if a competent court lies within a forty-kilometer radius from the police station. In cases where the court is situated beyond this distance, the accused must be presented within 48 hours or a reasonable timeframe as determined by the court.
The Nigerian legal framework dictates that if an individual is detained beyond 24 hours without being taken to court or without a court order for their detention, it is deemed illegal. Mr. Chike Victor Ibezim has been detained beyond 48 hours, as explained by Mr. Iruefi. Moreso, the issue extends beyond the duration of arrest; it also revolves around the propriety of the arrest itself, especially when Mr. Ibezim was not a person of interest in the case.
6. Abuse of the Cyber Crime Act and Political Motivations: The Cyber Crime Act has increasingly been employed by the people in power to silence their critics and opposition. This points to a larger trend where laws meant to address legitimate concerns are sometimes exploited for political gain, raising questions about the balance between safeguarding digital spaces and potential abuse of power.
7. DSS as a Tool to Suppress Opposition and Interference in Unrelated Cases: The use of the Department of State Services (DSS) to suppress political opposition or critics has been observed in various instances. The role of security agencies in maintaining law and order is crucial, but there’s growing concern about their involvement in silencing dissent and criticism.
Furthermore, there have been instances where the security agencies (SSS, commonly referred to as the DSS) appear to be overstepping their mandate by interfering in cases that are not within their jurisdiction or that do not directly concern their responsibilities, such as this case. This raises questions about the scope of their actions and the potential impact on the proper functioning of the legal system.
8. Lack of Transparency and Due Process: The circumstances surrounding the arrest, including the absence of official invitation and the manner in which Mr. Ibezim was apprehended, raise questions about transparency and adherence to due process. This lack of transparency undermines public trust in law enforcement agencies and their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
9. Repeated Instances and Need for Rehabilitation: This incident isn’t an isolated case; previous instances of questionable arrests have occurred. There’s a growing call for rehabilitation and training of security personnel to ensure they operate within the boundaries of the law and respect individuals’ rights. These repeated instances point to a broader issue that needs to be addressed through meaningful reform and training programs.
10. Disillusionment and Perception of Law and Order: Arresting individuals without proper identification, such as a name tag, and without following proper procedures erodes the public’s trust in law enforcement and the respect for law and order. Such actions have led to a growing sense of disillusionment, where citizens question the integrity of security institutions and their commitment to upholding the law.
Information Provided by the CEO of Reportera
In conclusion, the arrest of Mr. Iruefi’s brother has raised serious concerns about the legality, transparency, and adherence to due process within the Nigerian security apparatus. It emphasizes the need for accountability, proper training, and reforms within law enforcement agencies to ensure that individual rights are protected and the rule of law prevails.
The incident has attracted attention from both law enforcement professionals and supporters of press freedom. The situation raises pertinent questions about the boundaries of journalism, the power of legal actions against media organizations, and the respect for fundamental human rights, particularly in the case of Mr. Iruefi’s innocent brother who was arrested. With a commitment to seeking justice, Mr. Iruefi and his team Reportera have initiated legal measures to address the situation.
Follow us on Twitter @ReporteraNews for more updates on the story.
Politics
African Union Takes Action: Republic of Niger Suspended Amidst Political Unrest
In a decisive move that reverberated across the continent, the African Union (AU) announced the suspension of the Republic of Niger from its membership ranks.
This momentous decision was unveiled during the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, August 22.
African Union:Picture Source- Pinterest
The suspension stems from the recent political turmoil that engulfed the nation, with the African Union pointing to the coup orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani on Wednesday, July 26. As part of a series of sanctions imposed on the francophone West African country, the Republic of Niger faced the repercussions of its internal upheaval.
The African Union’s stance was uncompromising, as it made it clear that Western nations seeking to meddle in African affairs should refrain from interfering. This firm message was directed from the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU’s call for autonomy echoed loudly.
The events leading up to Niger’s suspension unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The coup in Niger, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, prompted the Afican Union to take action. Their decision to suspend Niger was not taken lightly and was ratified during the Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22.
The aftermath of the military takeover in left President Mohamed Bazoum in captivity, held under the close watch of the juntas in Niger. Despite international pressure, the release of the president and his family remains elusive. This tense situation compelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene, imposing sanctions on Niger and establishing a deadline for the initiation of military intervention by the sub-regional body’s standby forces.
The suspension of the Republic of Niger from the African Union serves as a stark reminder of the continent’s commitment to upholding stability and safeguarding democratic governance. The swift response underscores the African Union’s dedication to maintaining order and security within its member states, sending a resounding message to the global community about the importance of respecting Africa’s sovereignty.
Politics
Peter Obi: “I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria”
In a recent tweet that has caught the attention of many, @MissPearls shares an inspiring declaration made by former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to @MissPearls, Peter Obi proclaimed, “I campaigned for Presidency because I can say it any day, I Will SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NIGERIA. All these confusion everywhere can BE SOLVED, and I am PREPARED for it”

Peter Obi’s bid for the presidency in the recent elections stirred considerable excitement and garnered support from diverse quarters, particularly the youth demographic. The former governor is known for his progressive ideas and pragmatic approach to governance, which resonated with many Nigerians who sought change and effective solutions to the country’s myriad challenges.
Despite his extensive support and well-articulated vision, Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions faced formidable opponents in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results that placed him behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged as the winner, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second. However, these results were met with skepticism due to apparent electoral irregularities that marred the integrity of the process.
In response to the controversial election outcome, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar filed legal challenges against the INEC’s declaration. This move underscores their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the electorate is accurately reflected. As the election Tribunal Judges prepare to deliver their verdict, Nigeria watches with bated breath, eager to witness justice being served.
Meanwhile, the administration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant policy actions since assuming office. The removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira have triggered mixed reactions across the nation. While these measures may be intended to foster economic stability and growth, the immediate consequences have been felt by everyday Nigerians. The cost of living has surged, and the socio-economic effects on the rich and the poor have become more pronounced.
As the Nigerian population navigates these shifts, the aftermath of the election and the ensuing governance strategies offer a critical juncture for evaluating the nation’s trajectory. The voices of discontent, expressed by citizens facing the brunt of these policies, highlight the necessity for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the populace while pursuing economic advancements. It is essential for the government to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society.
The policy changes implemented by Bola Tinubu have shed light on the delicate balance between progress and the welfare of the people. As the nation waits for the tribunal’s judgment and the dust settles on the recent election, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reshape its future trajectory and address the systemic challenges that have held it back for far too long.
Fore more updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporteraNews.
Politics
Youths in Kano Defy Police Ban to Protest Alleged Tribunal Bribery
Hundreds of determined youths in Kano took to the streets, defying a police ban, to protest what they perceive as attempts to manipulate the state election petition tribunal. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a ban on protests by the Commissioner of Police, Usuani Gumel, following revelations of alleged plots to obstruct justice through financial inducement in legal proceedings.

The rally, which unfolded outside the state government house, saw impassioned youths brandishing placards with messages that underscored their commitment to justice and the integrity of the electoral process. Their actions were sparked by concerns over an alleged plan to bribe the state election petition tribunal, casting a shadow over the fairness of the process.
The ban on protests was issued in response to recent revelations made by Justice Flora Azinge, who unveiled purported schemes by lawyers to disrupt the course of justice through financial incentives. The Commissioner of Police cited “confirmatory intelligence products” as the basis for this decision, leaving a contentious atmosphere surrounding the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest.
This ban, however, failed to deter the resolute youths who carried a variety of placards conveying their strong stance against corruption, manipulation, and injustice. The slogans they chanted resonated with their determination to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold transparency in governance.
Among the messages displayed, one placard caught the eye with its direct callout: “Gandollar, stop spoiling the name of Tinubu.” This highlights the allegation that financial impropriety is tainting the reputation of key political figures.
In a video circulated online, the enthusiastic protesters chanted slogans that echoed their deep-seated concerns. Chants of “No to corruption,” “No to injustice,” and “No to manipulation” reverberated through the crowd, embodying the youth’s unwavering commitment to fair and accountable governance.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to President Bola Tinubu. This gesture recognizes the role of the youth in shaping political discourse and underscores the importance of their voices in the pursuit of a just society.
In conclusion, the youths in Kano have seized the moment to voice their concerns and demands for an unbiased electoral process. Their defiance of the police ban serves as a reminder that public sentiment cannot be easily suppressed. As this incident unfolds, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of assembly, legitimate protest, and maintaining public order. It also underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping the political landscape and demanding accountability from their leaders.
For the latest news updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporterNews. Stay informed and engaged with evolving stories from all around the world.
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