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South African-Based Nigerian Activist Convicted  For Defamation

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On Tuesday, an Anambra State High Court in Nnewi sentenced Boniface Okonkwo, a South African activist, to 18 months in prison for defaming a businessman, Sir Emeka Offor.

The court, presided over by Justice Vincent Agbata, found Okonkwo guilty of uploading defamatory content on the “Oraifite WhatsApp platform,” referring to Offor’s meter manufacturing company as “empty warehouse.”

In his ruling, Agbata concluded that the evidence given was adequate to convict the defendant.

However, the judge allowed Okonkwo the option of paying a N500,000 fine.

Okonkwo was arrested in January 2024 and held following Offor’s allegation.

The prosecution submitted evidence, including a phone conversation purportedly made by the defendant in court that linked him to the defamatory post using the Truecaller app as “overheat.”

Justice Agbata stated unequivocally that Offor and Boniface are Oraifite residents and members of the same Oraifite WhatsApp group.

He further stated that it was typical for VIPs, including Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to visit the Oraifite community for an event related to the subject matter in court.

The judge ruled that the trouble started when the defamatory article surfaced two days later.

He noted that Okonkwo had previously defended himself through his lawyers using explanation and fair comment, only to later reject the defamatory publication totally.

In response to the decision, defence counsel S.I. Okonkwo had mixed views, saying that while he was disappointed with the outcome, he was also relieved that the judge gave the option of a fine.

He said, “The defence did a good job because the prosecution case which my Lord failed to go into, the person who owns the radio station and the meter factory said to be defamed was not Emeka Offor, but corporate bodies mentioned by the director of the radio station.

“He did not narrow the issue as to whether the defendant is the maker of the alleged defamatory statement.

“But in any case, my Lord is an experienced Judge and he has given his judgment. We as lawyers have done our part and will decide on the next step to take.

“We will retire to our table and analyse the judgment. But certainly I am not satisfied about the judgment because I did not expect it. My only happiness is that even though he has convicted him, but he gave him option of fine.”

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Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

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By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

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Crime

Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

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Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

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By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.

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