The Federal Government has launched a campaign against the online activities of criminal networks, announcing on Tuesday, December 23, that it has pinpointed and removed multiple social media accounts operated by bandits and terrorists. Major General Adamu Laka, Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), stated that sites used to flaunt stolen goods and broadcast live criminal discussions are being dismantled one after the other. There was a time when bandits flaunted their loot on TikTok. We’ve shut those accounts down, you don’t see it anymore. They even went live… but we’ve tackled all that – Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka This is aimed towards addressing the rising pattern of non-state actors, leveraging on social media platforms to boast about attacks, collecting ransom payments, and sometimes for recruitment. For years now, bandits leaders like Bello Turji have turned to platforms like TikTok and Facebook to terrorize vulnerable communities, display ransom money stacks and arsenals to lure new members. Security forces are partnering closely with TikTok, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, and X to flag and suspend unverified profiles linked to terror groups. The security forces have been victorious in tracking ransom transactions from Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. Criminals often use POS terminals to receive ransom transfers and withdraw cash, making it more difficult to trace than traditional bank transfers. The NCTC plans to enforce key strategies in dismantling the online activities of criminal groups in 2026, under its new Strategic 2025-2030 plan, which utilizes AI-driven tools and network analysis to foresee and disrupt terror funding at the POS stage. The public is encouraged to flag any social media accounts suspected of promoting banditry or fundraising for crimes.
Sowore arraigned on cybercrime charges over tweet against President Tinubu
The Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned political activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, charging him with five counts of cybercrime and defamation for calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in a social media post. After two earlier attempts to arraign him, Sowore pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, granted him bail on self-recognition, considering his previous status as a presidential candidate. The five-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025) accuses Sowore of violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Criminal Code Act. The charges relate to posts Sowore made on X and Facebook in August 2025, where he allegedly labeled President Tinubu a “criminal.” The DSS also named X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp as co-defendants, likely due to their refusal to remove the contested posts. Sowore, who ran for president under the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 and 2023, denied all five charges. Justice Umar granted bail without requiring a bond or sureties, a privilege given to prominent individuals like Sowore. He noted that Sowore’s international passport was already in court custody from a previous case. The judge also prohibited Sowore from making further statements that could threaten national peace and security, warning that violating this condition would result in bail revocation.
Police bust cult using WhatsApp channel ‘Red Chamber’ to recruit teens in Sokoto
Police in Sokoto, have arrested the leaders of a suspected cult group accused of using a WhatsApp group called the “Red Chamber” to recruit and initiate teenagers into their cult group.The crackdown, announced on Saturday, led to the arrest of three suspects, including the alleged mastermind, Usman Shu’aibu. The operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit exposes the new trend of digitalization adopted by criminal networks, to expand their reach and influence over the youth.The group, known locally as “Sai Malam,” operated discreetly across parts of Sokoto State. Investigators discovered that the WhatsApp group was central to their operations, promising secret powers and loyalty to new recruits.The suspects confessed to using the WhatsApp platform to initiate members remotely. Police described the strategy as an attempt to exploit impressionable young people who might be seeking belonging or protection.The breakthrough came Friday night when the Anti-Kidnapping Unit raided the group’s location. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, framed the arrests as a response to public outcry regarding youth involvement in harmful secret societies.Police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai emphasized the need for parents to scrutinize their children’s digital footprint, stressing that social media is becoming a frontline for criminal manipulation. The police have launched a manhunt for fleeing members of the “Sai Malam” group, in order to restore law and order across the state.
Malaysia to ban users under 16 from social media accounts
Malaysia is set to implement a nationwide restriction next year that will prevent individuals under the age of 16 from creating social media accounts. This is a growing global movement by governments to enhance online protections for children and address concerns over mental health and exposure to harmful content.Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the planned restriction, stating that the government is currently developing compliance systems that major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, will be required to adhere to.The initiative mirrors similar actions in other nations. Australia, for example, mandates social networks to deactivate accounts belonging to users under 16 starting in December. The US has seen 24 states enact age-verification laws.For Malaysia, the primary concerns driving this policy are the impact of social media use on young people’s mental health, safety, and exposure to harmful content and online manipulation.
Nigerian creators dominate 2025 TikTok SSA Awards nominations
Nigerian digital creators have demonstrated their continental influence by securing the highest number of nominations for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).The nominations span nearly every major category, recognizing Nigerian talent from music and comedy to social commentary and education. The annual awards ceremony, which celebrates creators who have engaged, inspired, and connected communities, is scheduled to take place on December 6, in Johannesburg, South Africa.Nigerian content creators, artists, and commentators are prominent across the entire nominee list, placing Nigeria as a digital powerhouse in the SSA region.Public voting for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa is currently open.The voting window closes at midnight (CAT) on Friday, November 14, 2025, which is tomorrow.Fans are permitted to cast one vote per category per person per day via the official TikTok voting page. The public is encouraged to follow the official TikTok pages and use the hashtag #TikTokAwardsSSA in their posts to boost their favorite nominees.
Don Jazzy donates N20 million to empower 10,000 Nigerian youths with laptops
Popular music artist Don Jazzy has pledged N20 million to support The Tech Access Project, a campaign aimed at equipping 10,000 Nigerian youths with laptops to boost their digital skills and entrepreneurship.The Tech Access Project, driven by Ayilola Ayotomiwa and three other conveners, seeks to empower Nigerian youths passionate about tech, music production, design, and digital entrepreneurship. The goal of this initiative is to provide laptops that will enable young talents to turn their ideas into reality. Bro, I hail o. Your initiative is commendable. But sir, 10,000 laptops is not beans. At this time, I can only afford to support with 20 million Naira and a repost. Hopefully, some other well-meaning Nigerians can help achieve the goal – Don Jazzy The conveners confirmed receiving the donation and reported that over N21 million has now been raised. They have reached out to other prominent figures like DJ Cuppy, Davido, Adekunle Gold, Olamide, and Victor Osimhen, as well as companies such as VAAS Global, which has committed to scholarships supporting the beneficiaries.The initiative, trending with the hashtag #10klaptopsproject, has drawn massive public support for a cause that recognizes young talents needing a helping hand to develop their ambitions in technology and digital fields.