The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained a 32-year-old blogger named Sylvester Augustus for allegedly cloning its official website and posting fraudulent job recruitment announcements. Augustus, who hails from Akwa Ibom State and is a graduate of the University of Uyo, was arrested at his home in Abak on Thursday. According to sources within the DSS, he created a counterfeit version of the agency’s website to trick unsuspecting Nigerians into believing that there was an ongoing recruitment drive. The DSS quickly caught wind of Augustus’s scheme and moved to apprehend him before more people fell victim to the scam. Officials have issued a warning to the public, urging them to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to such deceitful tactics. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of online scams targeting job seekers, reminding everyone to verify the authenticity of job postings, especially those that seem too good to be true. The DSS is committed to protecting citizens from fraud and will continue to take action against those who exploit others for personal gain.
ARCON cracks down on misleading health ads by Meta in Nigeria
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has called out Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for hosting a plethora of misleading health advertisements. These ads, which make unverified claims about treating various health conditions, have raised significant concerns about the potential risks they pose to the Nigerian public. ARCON has highlighted that many of these advertisements were not submitted for approval, violating Nigerian advertising laws designed to protect consumers from false information. The council emphasized that the lack of scientific backing for these claims could lead to serious health implications for individuals seeking legitimate medical advice. This isn’t the first time Meta has found itself in hot water in Nigeria over its advertising practices. The company previously faced a lawsuit regarding similar issues, highlighting the ongoing concerns about the integrity of ads on its platforms. In response to this latest situation, ARCON has announced its intention to take firm action against those responsible for these unapproved advertisements. The council is committed to ensuring that advertising standards are upheld and that consumers are not misled by false health claims. ARCON’s actions aim to create a safer online environment for Nigerians by ensuring that health claims are accurate and verified. This serves as a reminder for both consumers and advertisers about the importance of ethical advertising practices. With ARCON’s commitment to enforcement, there is hope for more responsible advertising that prioritizes the well-being of the public.
Court freezes Nduka Obaigbena’s accounts over $225.8 million debt
The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the freezing of accounts belonging to Nduka Obaigbena, the founder and publisher of ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV. This action comes in response to a staggering debt of $225.8 million owed to First Bank of Nigeria. The court’s ruling prohibits all commercial banks across Nigeria from releasing or handling any funds associated with Obaigbena and his company, General Hydrocarbons Limited. This includes accounts held by Obaigbena’s family members, Efe Damilola Obaigbena and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena. The injunction aims to safeguard the plaintiffs, First Bank and its subsidiary, FBNQuest Trustees, as they pursue repayment of the substantial loan. The controversy stems from a series of unpaid loans linked to General Hydrocarbons, an oil and gas company that operates OML 120, an oil-producing block in Nigeria. The loans, which reportedly amount to $225,802,379.69 as of September 30, 2024, were initially issued to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited in 2011 to fund oil drilling operations. However, after Atlantic Energy defaulted on its repayments, First Bank faced significant financial challenges. Obaigbena has claimed that the loan agreements were mishandled and that First Bank’s actions have hindered General Hydrocarbons’ ability to operate effectively. He has alleged that the bank has not fulfilled its obligations under their agreements, contributing to financial losses for his company. The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for January 20, 2025, where further developments in this case will be addressed. In the meantime, the freeze on Obaigbena’s accounts remains in effect as both parties prepare for what could be a protracted legal battle over these significant financial issues. This case highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s banking sector and raises questions about lending practices and accountability among financial institutions. As this story unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how it impacts not only Obaigbena and his businesses but also the broader landscape of Nigeria’s financial system.
Nigerian air force revives Dornier DO-228 after 23 years
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for an astonishing 23 years. This significant achievement not only enhances the NAF’s operational capabilities but also highlights the growing technical expertise within the force. The reactivation process took place between June and September 2024, led by a skilled team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group based in Kaduna. The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and previously operated by the now-defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been sitting idle at the DANA facility since 2001. Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, emphasized that this project reflects the NAF’s commitment to self-reliance in aviation maintenance. “This accomplishment is not just about restoring an aircraft; it’s a testament to our engineers’ ingenuity and determination,” he stated. The reactivation was initiated following a Presidential Directive encouraging government agencies to transfer grounded assets to the NAF for evaluation and potential restoration. The Dornier DO-228, now redesignated as “NAF-039,” had only logged 1,081 flight hours since its inception, making it a valuable national asset worth reviving. Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, praised the efforts of the engineering team, noting that this success builds on previous milestones, including a significant inspection conducted on another DO-228 earlier in January 2024. “The successful reactivation of NAF-039 is more than just an operational gain; it’s a statement of our capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance,” he said. With the addition of this aircraft to its fleet, the NAF is poised to strengthen its tactical airlift capabilities. This development not only boosts morale among NAF personnel but also positions Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s aviation sector, demonstrating its potential for indigenous maintenance and technical innovation. This successful reactivation of the Dornier DO-228 marks a significant step forward for the Nigerian Air Force, showcasing its commitment to self-sufficiency and technical excellence. With this aircraft back in service, the NAF is better equipped to fulfill its mission of national security and operational readiness, reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the aviation sector.
X’s live streaming test: Elon Musk’s vision for an all-in-one app experience takes shape
X—formerly known as Twitter, has begun testing live streaming capabilities, with none other than Elon Musk leading the charge. On January 7, 2025, Musk captivated audiences by broadcasting himself playing a video game for nearly two hours, marking a significant step in his ambition to transform X into an “everything app.” The live stream lasted for 1 hour and 38 minutes and drew in a massive audience eager to watch Musk navigate through the game. Viewers flooded the comment section, sparking lively discussions and sharing humorous suggestions for future streams. One user playfully suggested Musk’s username should be “Percy Verence,” while another asked if he would consider playing Detroit: Become Human. The interactive nature of the stream highlighted X’s potential to offer a unique and engaging experience that could rival established platforms like Amazon’s Twitch and Google’s YouTube. Musk’s casual interactions with viewers created a vibrant atmosphere during the stream. Comments ranged from genuine admiration to light-hearted jokes, with one user marveling at how Musk managed to play high-intensity games without missing a target. Another user humorously imagined a future stream featuring Musk and former President Trump playing Wii Sports together. This live streaming test is part of Musk’s broader vision for X, which he has described as evolving from “Twitter 1.0” into a comprehensive platform that combines features from various applications, including YouTube, LinkedIn, and even banking services. “We’re rapidly transforming the company,” Musk emphasized during a recent meeting with employees. This latest streaming attempt follows Musk’s earlier experiment in October 2023, where he played Diablo IV for 52 minutes. That initial stream garnered around 20,000 views despite some technical hiccups. In contrast, the January 2025 live stream showed remarkable improvement, attracting millions of viewers and confirming X’s potential as a serious contender in the live streaming arena. As X continues to innovate and expand its offerings beyond text and video posts, this test stream signals an exciting new chapter for the platform. With Musk at the helm, users can expect more engaging content and interactive experiences in the future.
NIPOST teams up with Lagos government to boost e-commerce in Nigeria
The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) is seeking a partnership with the Lagos State government to boost e-commerce in the country. This initiative aims to enhance postal and logistics services in the state, making it easier for businesses and consumers to engage in online shopping. During a recent visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, NIPOST’s Postmaster-General, Ms. Tola Odeyemi, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. “Lagos is at the forefront of e-commerce growth in Nigeria,” she said. “By working together, we can optimize last-mile delivery and ensure seamless connectivity within the city and across the nation.” Odeyemi emphasized that one of her key goals as Postmaster-General is to forge strategic partnerships that improve NIPOST’s services in a rapidly changing world. She views Lagos as a critical ally in this mission, given its status as Nigeria’s economic hub. The governor welcomed the initiative and encouraged NIPOST to embrace innovation. “You need to think outside the box and challenge the status quo,” Sanwo-Olu urged Odeyemi. He stressed that leveraging technology is essential for enhancing the ease of doing business in Lagos and across Nigeria. This partnership comes on the heels of NIPOST’s remarkable achievement in 2024, where it reported a 275% increase in revenue. Odeyemi attributed this growth to improved service quality and efforts to close operational loopholes. To sustain this momentum, NIPOST is renovating its facilities in key locations like Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna. This partnership between NIPOST and the Lagos State Government is set to transform e-commerce in Nigeria. By improving logistics and delivery services, they aim to create a more efficient environment for businesses and consumers. With a focus on innovation and better service, this collaboration could significantly enhance the shopping experience in Lagos and beyond, driving economic growth across the nation.