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Nigerian-born UK pastor Tobi Adegboyega has addressed recent reports of his impending deportation to Nigeria.

The former leader of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, which was shut down following allegations of a £1.87 million fraud, has lost his legal battle against deportation despite asserting that the move would infringe upon his human rights.

An immigration tribunal has ruled that the 44-year-old, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, be deported to Nigeria.

According to a report by The Telegraph, investigations revealed financial misconduct within his church, leading to the decision.

Addressing the controversy via his Instagram page, Tobi Adegboyega said, “I’ve heard a lot today, and I’m doing this because our friends our fans people who are worried. I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. And naturally I dismiss things that have to do with retrogression. Every Nigerian should be proud of me.

“I have survived all sort, the matter they are propagating is the smallest of matters. No panic. I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything.”

Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights and inclusion advocacy group, has filed a lawsuit against the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), accusing the agency of failing to protect Nigerians’ personal data.

The group’s Executive Director, Gbenga Sesan, announced this during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, stating that the case was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja in October. The hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2025.

“We filed the case in October. They now have the opportunity to prove to Nigerians whether a data breach occurred or not,” Sesan said.

The lawsuit follows reports earlier this year that sensitive data belonging to millions of Nigerians was available for sale online. Although NIMC publicly denied the allegations, Sesan claimed that Paradigm Initiative’s investigations uncovered vulnerabilities in the commission’s systems months after the initial reports.

“There were claims that data belonging to millions of Nigerians was being sold on the dark web. This raised concerns because the figures exceeded Nigeria’s population, suggesting massive duplication or unauthorised access to sensitive information across multiple platforms,” Sesan explained.

While NIMC assured the public in April that the breach had been resolved, Paradigm Initiative discovered in June that a new platform was being used to sell Nigerians’ data.

“This discovery highlights a failure to address the root cause of the digital rights issue,” Sesan added.

To demonstrate the ongoing nature of the breaches, the organisation purchased personal data belonging to senior government officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and NIMC’s Director General.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary to get the attention of authorities who have failed to act on previous reports. If they won’t protect the data of ordinary Nigerians, maybe they’ll care when it’s their own data being sold,” Sesan stated.

The group has called for greater accountability and stronger measures to secure citizens’ data.

The Kogi State Government has directed the immediate closure of Zango Market in Osara and banned roadside truck parking in the area, citing rising security threats.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that intelligence reports revealed criminal elements had been using the market as a hideout, often in collaboration with truck drivers parked along the roadside.

“This situation poses a significant security threat to the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and the broader Osara community,” the statement said.

To ensure compliance, market operators and truck drivers have been given a one-week grace period, effective immediately. After this, the government will enforce the directives fully.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has instructed the Secretary to the State Government to notify all relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the Office of the State Security Adviser has been tasked with overseeing security operations in the affected areas.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, promising to take proactive measures to eliminate criminal activities in the state.

Kogi State has been grappling with a wave of kidnappings in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The newly elected councilor representing Odo-Ape Ward, Alaba Ope, and eight others were abducted in separate incidents overnight.

Eyewitnesses reported that the kidnappers struck around 1 a.m., firing sporadically to intimidate residents before abducting their victims. An 18-passenger bus was also ambushed in the area, with all occupants reportedly kidnapped.

The community of Odo-Ape remains on edge, fearing further attacks. Residents confirmed additional kidnappings overnight, including five Gwari, two Bassa, and one individual from Agbadu.

Local sources also highlighted ongoing abductions, noting that two brothers kidnapped on their family land in Aluju and another two individuals from Odo-Ape have remained in captivity for over nine days.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of this report.

Residents have called on security agencies and the state government to take swift action to secure the release of those kidnapped and protect lives and property in the area.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that foreign digital companies, including X (formerly Twitter), Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to Nigeria during the first half of 2024.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, the agency cited data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to highlight the tax contributions.

According to the agency, the revenue generated by these technology companies has significantly boosted the country’s digital economy. NITDA also praised the companies for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, which was developed jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA.

The regulatory code outlines measures for ensuring online safety and addressing harmful content on digital platforms.

“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024,” the statement read.

NITDA added that the substantial increase in tax revenue reflects the impact of strong regulatory frameworks in fostering compliance and driving growth within the digital economy.

The Kwara State Government has demoted a school teacher, Mrs. Fatimoh Hamzat, following an investigation into an assault on a youth corps member serving at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin.

The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between Mrs. Hamzat and the corps member, escalating into physical violence. Witnesses at the school described the teacher’s behavior as unprofessional and alarming, given the critical role NYSC members play in supporting understaffed schools.

In response to a formal complaint filed by staff, the Kwara State Ministry of Education launched a thorough investigation. The inquiry, which included interviews with witnesses, confirmed that Mrs. Hamzat had violated professional and ethical standards governing educators’ conduct.

Following the findings, the state government demoted Mrs. Hamzat as a disciplinary measure. While the specifics of her new role were not disclosed, the decision underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and decorum in the education sector.

The ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, emphasizing the need for teachers to uphold high standards of professionalism in their interactions with colleagues and corps members.

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court.

Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos by operatives of the Ekiti State police command, leading to widespread controversy and questioning over the circumstances surrounding his detention.

Farotimi was brought before the court at about 10:25 am on Wednesday, where he faced a 16-count charge of defamation of character against Aare Afe Babalola SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University.

The charges stem from Farotimi’s recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,’ in which he allegedly maligned and defamed Babalola’s character.

Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has been declared the winner of last week’s elections, paving the way for Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to become the country’s first female president.

The Electoral Commission announced that Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, secured just over 57% of the votes, while her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the main opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 25.5%.

This victory extends the South West Africa People’s Organisation’s (SWAPO) uninterrupted rule since Namibia’s independence in 1990.

The November 27 elections were marked by logistical and technical issues, including ballot paper shortages, which resulted in long delays. Voting was extended twice to accommodate voters, some of whom waited up to 12 hours to cast their ballots.

The IPC, however, has rejected the results, alleging irregularities. Its presidential candidate, Itula, 67, described the process as fraught with a “multitude of irregularities” and accused authorities of deliberately frustrating voters.

“No matter the result, the IPC shall not recognise the outcome of that election,” Itula said on the final day of the extended vote.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a historic moment for the mineral-rich southern African nation but has left a cloud of contention over the electoral process.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Lagos Electricity Bill into law, signaling a major step toward achieving a stable power supply for residents.

The signing ceremony was held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, and was attended by Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, members of the State House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill, emphasizing its potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Lagos. “This bill has been in the works for some years, and now Lagosians can be sure of a steady power supply,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, stated that the new law would provide an additional electricity grid for Lagos State and eliminate power outages.

“There will now be regular power supply. Host community development trust funds, which will provide opportunities for communities to develop power plants,” he said.

Ogunleye described the development as a “beacon of progress” that would ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state.

The Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 represents a comprehensive strategy to address persistent challenges in the energy sector.

The law seeks to establish a Lagos Electricity Market that is technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated. It aims to provide access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all residents while promoting the use of diverse energy sources, including renewable energy.

It also focuses on fostering energy efficiency, attracting investments, encouraging competition and innovation, and ensuring electricity access to underserved areas, contributing to the sustainable development of Lagos State.