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Federal High Court Voids ARCON’s N60bn Fine Against Facebook Nigeria

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Federal High Court Voids ARCON’s N60bn Fine Against Facebook Nigeria

LAGOS — The Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified the N60 billion sanction imposed on Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), ruling that the regulator acted outside the powers granted to it by law and violated the company’s right to fair hearing.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2205/2024, the court declared ARCON’s Notice of Violation and Demand for Compliance dated October 21, 2024, invalid and unenforceable.

The court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the regulatory agency from taking further steps to enforce the disputed sanction against Facebook Nigeria.

The case stemmed from allegations by ARCON that advertisements displayed on Facebook and Instagram were targeted at Nigerian audiences without obtaining prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel, contrary to the provisions of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act, 2022.

Based on the alleged infractions, the regulator directed Facebook Nigeria to discontinue the advertisements and imposed a N60 billion penalty.

Dissatisfied with the action, Facebook Nigeria approached the court, arguing that ARCON lacked the legal authority to impose what it described as a punitive sanction without first giving the company an opportunity to defend itself.

The company also contended that it neither owns nor operates Facebook or Instagram, maintaining that both platforms are owned and controlled by Meta Platforms Inc., a separate corporate entity.

ARCON, however, argued that Facebook Nigeria represents Meta’s business interests within Nigeria and should therefore be held accountable for alleged breaches involving advertisements displayed on the platforms.

In resolving the dispute, Justice Bogoro held that the regulator failed to establish any legal basis for treating Facebook Nigeria and Meta Platforms Inc. as the same corporate entity.

The judge ruled that there was no sufficient evidence showing that Facebook Nigeria owns, controls, or manages the Facebook and Instagram platforms, adding that the regulator’s assertions alone were inadequate to establish liability.

The court further held that ARCON breached the constitutional principle of fair hearing by imposing a substantial financial penalty without first allowing the company to respond to the allegations.

Justice Bogoro also held that the offences relied upon by the regulator under the ARCON Act are criminal in nature and that any sanction for such offences can only be imposed after a conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Accordingly, the court ruled that ARCON has no statutory authority to impose criminal fines through an administrative notice and declared the N60 billion penalty unlawful.

The judgment is expected to serve as an important judicial interpretation of the limits of regulatory authority in Nigeria, particularly in relation to digital advertising and the enforcement of statutory sanctions.

Legal observers say the decision reinforces the constitutional requirement that regulatory agencies must observe due process and fair hearing before taking enforcement actions capable of affecting the rights and obligations of individuals or corporate entities.

EFCC Arraigns Former Port Harcourt Refinery Boss Over Alleged N218.4m Money Laundering

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EFCC Arraigns Former Port Harcourt Refinery Boss Over Alleged N218.4m Money Laundering

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the immediate past Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Ahmed Dikko, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of money laundering involving N218.4 million.

Dikko was docked alongside Masterpiece Projects & Investment Ltd on a 12-count charge alleging violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the EFCC, the former refinery chief allegedly used about N218.4 million to acquire a property in the Katampe Extension area of Abuja without processing the transaction through a financial institution, an act the commission said contravenes the provisions of the anti-money laundering law.

When the charges were read in court, Dikko pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), requested that the court fix a date for trial.

Counsel for the defendants, Ikechukwu Ajunwa (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that Dikko had complied with the conditions of the administrative bail earlier granted by the EFCC. He also assured the court that the former managing director would remain available for trial and would not interfere with the judicial process.

The prosecution opposed the application, relying on documents already filed before the court.

In his ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N150 million with one surety in like sum.

The court directed that the surety must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and submit relevant title documents for verification. The judge also ordered Dikko to deposit his international passport with the court and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without prior judicial approval.

The case was adjourned until October 12, 13 and 14 for the commencement of trial.

The arraignment comes weeks after the EFCC filed separate charges against Dikko and the former Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Jimoh Yisawu, over the alleged diversion of funds allocated for the rehabilitation of government-owned refineries.

In addition to the property acquisition allegation, the anti-graft agency accused Dikko of allegedly receiving and retaining funds from contractors engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, concealing the source of part of the funds through third parties, and conducting financial transactions said to be in breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charges are yet to be determined by the court, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with Nigerian law.

Motion to Invite Tinubu Over Constituency Project Funding Sparks Heated Debate in House of Representatives

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Motion to Invite Tinubu Over Constituency Project Funding Sparks Heated Debate in House of Representatives

ABUJA — Proceedings in the House of Representatives on Wednesday were marked by a spirited debate after a motion seeking to invite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address lawmakers on delays in the funding of constituency projects generated sharp divisions among members.

The motion, sponsored by the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, drew attention to concerns over the implementation of appropriated funds for constituency and zonal intervention projects across the country.

While presenting the motion, Ikwechegh said delays in the release of capital funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had adversely affected the execution of projects approved under the national budget. He noted that information presented during budget defence sessions suggested that several government agencies had received little or no capital releases despite budgetary provisions.

The lawmaker argued that the development had slowed the implementation of projects intended to improve infrastructure and public services in various constituencies, prompting the need for greater accountability in the execution of the Appropriation Act.

As part of the motion, Ikwechegh proposed that President Tinubu be invited to appear before the House to provide clarification on the challenges affecting the release of funds and the implementation of constituency projects.

The proposal, however, attracted divergent views from lawmakers.

Members who backed the motion maintained that the House has the constitutional responsibility to oversee the implementation of budgets approved by the National Assembly and to seek explanations where government spending falls short of legislative expectations.

Those opposed argued that the operational responsibility for implementing constituency projects rests with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, rather than the President directly. They contended that oversight inquiries should be directed at the agencies responsible for project execution and budget releases.

The debate became increasingly animated as members defended their positions before Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, intervened.

Delivering his ruling, the Speaker observed that the prayers contained in the motion differed from those in the version initially submitted by its sponsor. Consequently, he declined to admit the motion in its presented form, effectively bringing deliberations on the proposal to a close.

The development has renewed discussions about the implementation of constituency projects and the timely release of appropriated funds for capital expenditure. Constituency projects remain a significant component of the federal budget, with lawmakers often describing them as important instruments for delivering infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, and other social amenities to communities.

Political analysts say the debate also reflects broader concerns over budget implementation and the constitutional roles of the executive and legislative arms of government in ensuring that public funds are effectively utilised.

As the implementation of the current budget continues, attention is expected to remain on the pace of capital releases and the progress of projects approved to support development across the country.

Enone Constituency: Supporters Back Philip Agbese for Second Term Ahead of 2027 Elections

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Enone Constituency: Supporters Back Philip Agbese for Second Term Ahead of 2027 Elections

Supporters of the lawmaker representing Enone Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, have begun mobilising support for his re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing continuity in representation as vital to sustaining development across the constituency.

The renewed endorsement comes as political consultations gradually intensify in Benue State, with prospective candidates and their supporters engaging stakeholders and outlining their priorities ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Backers of Agbese argue that his experience in the National Assembly and his engagement with constituents have positioned him to continue advancing the interests of Enone Federal Constituency. They maintain that retaining experienced representation would help consolidate ongoing projects while creating opportunities for additional federal interventions.

Supporters point to sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, women’s economic development, and rural development as areas they believe should remain priorities in the years ahead.

According to them, continuity in leadership would provide a stable platform for pursuing programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding access to economic opportunities for residents.

They also commend the lawmaker’s legislative role, noting that effective representation involves not only participation in parliamentary proceedings but also maintaining regular engagement with constituents and advocating policies that address local needs.

Community stakeholders backing the re-election bid have further appealed for unity among residents of Enone Federal Constituency, stressing the importance of collective efforts in driving sustainable development irrespective of political or social differences.

Political analysts observe that early endorsements and consultations are becoming increasingly common as aspirants and their supporters position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. While formal campaigns are yet to commence, political activities are expected to increase as parties prepare for their nomination processes in accordance with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

For supporters of Hon. Agbese, the focus remains on what they describe as consolidating existing gains and strengthening representation at the federal level. They express confidence that his legislative experience and familiarity with the constituency’s development priorities will feature prominently in political discussions as the election season approaches.

With the 2027 general elections still months away, political engagement is expected to continue across Benue State as parties, aspirants, and stakeholders seek to build support ahead of the polls. The electorate will ultimately determine who represents Enone Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives through the democratic process.

Hon. Adakole Peter Okewu Highlights Community Development Agenda Ahead of 2027 Benue Assembly Election

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Hon. Adakole Peter Okewu Highlights Community Development Agenda Ahead of 2027 Benue Assembly Election

As political consultations continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, Hon. Adakole Peter Okewu has outlined his vision for Ogbadibo Constituency, presenting a development agenda focused on grassroots empowerment, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance.

Okewu, who is seeking to represent Ogbadibo Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, said his aspiration is built on the principle of responsive leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people and addresses the developmental needs of local communities.

According to his campaign, the vision centres on improving the quality of life of residents through policies that promote education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, and infrastructure development.

The campaign also stresses the importance of transparency, accountability, and regular engagement between elected representatives and their constituents, arguing that effective leadership should be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives.

A major aspect of Okewu’s message is the preservation of Ogbadibo’s cultural heritage. The campaign says protecting indigenous traditions, customs, and languages while embracing modern development will help strengthen community identity and create opportunities for future generations.

In the area of economic development, the campaign proposes increased support for farmers, vocational training programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, and improved access to markets for small and medium-sized enterprises. These measures, it says, are intended to stimulate local economic growth and expand employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

The campaign has also called for greater unity among residents of Ogbadibo, urging people to work together regardless of political, religious, or ethnic differences in pursuit of sustainable development across the constituency.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, political aspirants across Benue State have begun presenting their programmes and engaging with voters. Electoral activities remain subject to the timetable and regulations issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Okewu’s campaign says it remains committed to promoting people-centred governance, community participation, and sustainable development as key priorities for Ogbadibo Constituency.

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed To New Position

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Yemi Osinbajo Appointed To New Position

The former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has pledged to step up environmental protection and climate action after his emergence as President of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

Osinbajo is said to have made the pledge on Wednesday when delivering his acceptance speech at the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

He commended the NCF founding fathers, particularly its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu, for their foresight in advocating for conservation of the environment several decades ago, long before the issue of climate change became a global challenge.

The former vice president also acknowledged the contributions of late chief S.L. Edu and other founding trustees, saying their vision laid the foundation for the country’s environmental conservation movement.

“The founders understood the importance of biodiversity conservation long before the issue of climate change gained global prominence,” he said.

“They deserve our commendation and gratitude because, but for the vision they had, Nigeria would not have had the strong foundation it has today for climate action,” he said.

“The impacts of climate change are becoming more visible across Nigeria in the form of flooding, rising temperatures and other environmental challenges,” Osinbajo said.

He said parts of Europe were seeing temperatures of between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, a trend he said highlighted the need for collective climate action.

“There is no question that we are living in the most challenging of times in respect to climate change,” he said.

But the former vice president was hopeful that advances in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would create opportunities to address environmental problems more effectively.

Nigeria has the tools required to make a significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, he said.

Osinbajo described the NCF as Nigeria’s leading non-governmental organisation committed to environmental conservation and climate action.

He commended the Foundation’s trustees, members, management, staff, volunteers and development partners for their efforts in maintaining the conservation programmes over the years.

Osinbajo, while accepting his new role, promised to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders.

“I take this responsibility with much humility and gratitude.

“I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff, volunteers and partners to advance the Foundation’s mission and ensure a healthier environment for future generations,” he said.

He also promised to strengthen the Foundation’s leading role in the conservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

‘You Lied’ — El-Rufai Challenges ICPC, Seeks Retraction Over Medical Visit Claim

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‘You Lied’ — El-Rufai Challenges ICPC, Seeks Retraction Over Medical Visit Claim

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied allegations of abuse of a court-approved medical visit while in custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the anti-graft agency of misrepresenting the facts and the law in relation to the incident.

The former governor also called for the immediate release of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar and urged the ICPC to withdraw its allegation that he violated a court order.

El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye made the demands in a statement on Wednesday in response to the ICPC’s July 7 statement titled, “El-Rufai and Medical Doctor Abuse Privilege, Violate Court Order.

Adekeye said the commission’s account was not accurate, as El-Rufai’s inability to appear in court on July 6 was as a result of an unresolved medical condition that had been brought to the attention of the ICPC before the scheduled court proceedings.

The statement said that the personal physician to El-Rufai had first attempted to examine the former governor at the ICPC facility after holding discussions with the commission’s doctor.

It alleged that Abubakar was denied access to his patient despite waiting for over two hours.

The statement said El-Rufai’s family then wrote to the ICPC requesting that he be taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for consultation with his physician on July 7.

It insisted the request was made before the family was told about El-Rufai’s scheduled court appearance on July 6.

“It was against this background – an unmet medical need, a recorded denial of access to his physician a week earlier and the continued ill health of Malam El-Rufai – that the planned trip to Kaduna on 6th July became untenable. He did not travel that day for that reason,” said the statement.

El-Rufai’s camp also denied the ICPC’s claim that the former governor had no immediate medical complaints and only sought access to his doctor after a request by his wife.

Adekeye dismissed the commission’s account as false, denying that the medical consultation was invented to keep El-Rufai from appearing in court.

“The suggestion that he had ‘no immediate medical complaints’ on 6th July, or that the request to see his doctor was concocted to avoid court, is therefore untrue,” he said.

The statement said that El-Rufai’s medical condition was not resolved before the planned trip to Kaduna for the court case.

Adekeye also challenged the ICPC’s allegation that El-Rufai violated a court order in visiting the hospital.

The order that applied was in the words of Justice R.M. Aikawa on April 1, 2026, in Charge No. FHC/KD/73C/2026.

He said the order provided for the former governor to get medical care while in custody and that it did not restrict who could see him during a medical appointment.

The court order, he said, “does not regulate, restrict or impose conditions upon who may see or be seen by him while that access is being exercised.

El-Rufai’s group insisted that nothing was breached in the order relating to the hospital visit.

The former governor’s media team also challenged the commission’s description of the hospital visit as a political gathering.

Adekeye said the ICPC had changed the time of the medical appointment from 5pm to 10am, when the hospital was busier and did not tell El-Rufai’s family of the change until the morning of the visit.

“It was the Commission that moved the appointment from a quiet 5:00pm slot to a high traffic 10:00am slot… and it was the Commission’s own personnel who were stationed at the scene throughout,” the statement said.

The former governor’s camp said the events that took place did not align with the commission’s claim that the medical visit was used to organise a political meeting.

The arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Abubakar, was also condemned by Adekeye who called on the ICPC to make public the alleged false statement for which the medical practitioner was arrested.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of professor Abubakar pending the ICPC’s disclosure of the specific allegation against him,” the statement read.

The El-Rufai camp said medical treatment was a legal right, not a privilege.

In support of its position, the statement cited the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, otherwise known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, and the subsisting court order.

It warned that any attempt by the ICPC to deny El-Rufai access to medical care, his family or legal representatives could be considered contempt of court.

“The chronology does not support the conclusion that the medical appointment was used to stage a political meeting,” the statement read.

Messi Earns Praise From Obi Mikel, Ibrahimovic After Argentina Defeat Egypt

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Messi Earns Praise From Obi Mikel, Ibrahimovic After Argentina Defeat Egypt

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has cast doubt on Lionel Messi’s incredible stamina after the Argentina skipper inspired his side to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Messi scored as the holders came from two goals down in Tuesday’s last-16 clash. Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico had put Egypt in control but Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback.

“I still can’t believe the guy can still produce decisive performances in a tournament that is physically and mentally demanding,” Mikel told Fox Sports after the match.

“Argentina are having another tough game, where they have been pushed to the limit. “How much has Messi played, how much has been taken away from him mentally, psychologically, physically as well,” Obi Mikel said.

“That’s going to be the question as well, how much can he give again to be able to drag this Argentina team once again to another semi-final.

“That’s going to be the question, but when you have Messi, I don’t know what the guy is eating. I don’t know what he eats, because every time you think it’s finished, he comes up with something spectacular.”

Another former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, also heaped praise on Messi but said the rest of the Argentina squad needed to take more responsibility as the tournament approaches its decisive stage.

Former AC Milan and Manchester United forward believes Argentina cannot continue to rely on their captain if they want to hold on to the World Cup title.

If I have to be a little bit critical, his [Messi’s] teammates need to step it up and also help him because he has been on another level,” Ibrahimovic said of Messi.

‘If he can carry on and bring it all the way to the final and really take the final pieces. “We won’t be shocked but he needs help to be fair.”

Argentina’s comeback win was reported to have booked them a place in the last eight, where they will face Switzerland at 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 12.

DSS Reportedly Arrests Female Journalist

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DSS Reportedly Arrests Female Journalist

Female journalist, Zainab Sodiq who covered activities of human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore has reportedly been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).

It was reported that the DSS had earlier seized Sodiq’s drone which he used in covering Sowore at the domestic airport in Lagos.

She was reportedly later contacted and asked to come to Abuja to collect the seized equipment from a DSS officer whose name was given as Musa.

The report said Sodiq became unreachable after he arrived in Abuja to collect the drone.

Her last known location was reportedly tracked to the area of Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Federal Capital Territory.

Concerned associates were said to have repeatedly reached out to the DSS officer who allegedly invited her to Abuja.

The officer initially told callers that Sodiq would be “soon be done,” and released, before stopping answering calls and blocking some of the numbers used to reach him, according to the lawsuit.

At the time of filing this report, the DSS had not publicly explained the circumstances of Sodiq’s reported detention or disclosed whether she was accused of any offence.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS over social media posts where he referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

Defence Minister Issues Strong Warning To Troops In Fight Against Banditry

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Defence Minister Issues Strong Warning To Troops In Fight Against Banditry

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said that any security officer who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of waiting for orders would be treated as collaborating with them.

The report has it that Musa made the remark on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to boost security operations across the state.

Musa told the security personnel not to be afraid to confront the bandits and terrorists with guns.

Musa, while praising Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently providing security agencies with logistics and operational equipment, described the intervention as a display of strategic leadership.

He said: “Once you are deployed, don’t wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist.

“Whoever does not shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit.

“It’s not only the unveiling of security assets in this event. The Governor said that it was a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective resolve to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole.”

The Minister also said the newly commissioned armored vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

He also warned security personnel against neglecting the newly acquired assets, Musa added.

Musa urged the security personnel to be professional but to also remember to protect innocent citizens even as they take the fight to the criminals.

“This equipment cost billions of naira,” he added. We don’t want to give them over and then you toss them out or mistreat them. They must be used for the purpose for which they were bought.

“You are not to go there and extort or molest the people. “You’re there to protect them and work with them to get rid of bandits and terrorists in your area.”

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