By Njoku Chijioke

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian journalists to embrace developmental journalism, urging them to tell evidence-based stories that positively portray the country and foster global confidence in Nigeria’s security efforts.
Speaking at a one-day roundtable organized by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), in Abuja on Thursday, General Musa emphasized the role of the media in advancing national security and cohesion.
“Developmental journalism promotes public awareness, informs policy decisions, and holds stakeholders accountable while fostering national stability,” he said.
He urged journalists to collaborate with security agencies to amplify Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguard its interests globally.
Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major-General A.G. Laka, pledged the centre’s support for media initiatives aimed at countering terrorist propaganda and enhancing public understanding of security challenges.
In a keynote paper, Major-General Chris Olukolade (Rtd) highlighted the practices of Western journalists in handling sensitive security information.
“Journalists should focus on the human impact of security issues and prioritize national interest while maintaining professionalism,” he advised.
The event underscored the media’s critical role in shaping narratives that support Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and foster unity.

By Alexis Uchendu

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi was arraigned on Wednesday before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court on a 16-count charge of alleged defamation.

Farotimi, arrested in Lagos on Tuesday by the Ekiti State police command, is accused of defaming the character of legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, through statements in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Court proceedings began around 10:25 a.m., and further updates on the case are anticipated.

By Adenike Lawal

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a crackdown on vehicles with tinted windows and obscured number plates to curb rising criminal activities, including kidnappings.
In a statement shared on the X platform on December 4, 2024, police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh warned vehicle owners to remove tinted glasses from their cars or risk having their vehicles impounded.
She emphasized that the use of tinted windows is currently prohibited and urged compliance to avoid penalties.
“This initiative is part of efforts to address the surge in ‘one chance’ scams and other criminal activities in the FCT,” Adeh stated.
Reinforcing the directive, FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu highlighted the dangers posed by tinted windows and covered number plates during a recent parade of suspects.
Disu explained that many kidnapping victims reported that tinted windows hindered their visibility and prevented bystanders from recognizing their distress.
Criminals also exploit vehicles with covered or absent number plates to evade identification.
“We are intensifying efforts to target commercial vehicles and private cars with tinted windows. It is crucial to ensure transparency and visibility for the safety of all,” Disu said.
He further stressed that such practices foster lawlessness, making it harder for law enforcement to track offenders.
“These measures are non-negotiable. No one has the right to obscure their vehicle’s identity or compromise public safety,” he added.
Since the directive’s enforcement began, at least 296 vehicles with tinted windows or improper registration have been impounded in the FCT.
The police warned that the campaign would continue rigorously to deter criminal activity and protect residents.