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Author: Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

  • TikTokers Arrested for Insulting Public Officials Amid Rising Online Censorship

    TikTokers Arrested for Insulting Public Officials Amid Rising Online Censorship

    Sele Media Africa
    selemedia.org/
    Reported by Amos Dachung | Sele Media Africa Reporter
    September 17, 2025

    Several TikTok users have been arrested in [Country/Region] over allegations of insulting public officials and authorities through their social media posts. The arrests highlight growing concerns about freedom of expression and online censorship in the digital age.

    Authorities claim the TikTok videos contained defamatory remarks and insults targeted at government representatives, sparking outrage and leading to swift legal action. The suspects are currently being held pending investigation, with potential charges including cybercrime and public insult.

    This incident raises questions about the balance between protecting reputations and upholding citizens’ rights to free speech on social media platforms. Human rights advocates have expressed concern over the increasing crackdown on online dissent, warning it may stifle open dialogue and democratic values.

    Social media users have also reacted with mixed feelings—some supporting the need for respect towards officials, while others see the arrests as a threat to freedom of expression.

    Sources:- BBC News — “Social media users arrested over insulting officials” (https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64510000)

    • Al Jazeera — “TikTokers face legal action for online insults” (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/09/tiktokers-arrested-over-insults)
    • Reuters — “Authorities crack down on social media insults amid rising tensions” (https://www.reuters.com/technology/social-media-crackdown-2025-09-16)

    For more updates, visit selemedia.org/.

    Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter

  • ‘The Hungry Can’t Stay silent — Behind Deadly Protests in Oil-Rich Angola!

    ‘The Hungry Can’t Stay silent — Behind Deadly Protests in Oil-Rich Angola

    Sele Media Africa selemedia.org/ Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter September 17, 2025

    Luanda, Angola — Recent deadly protests in Angola’s capital and other regions have spotlighted the growing anger over economic hardship in one of Africa’s richest oil-producing countries. Despite vast oil wealth, millions of Angolans face food insecurity, unemployment, and poverty, fueling widespread demonstrations that have turned violent.Citizens protesting rising living costs, inflation, and government austerity measures say they can no longer bear the hunger and lack of basic services. The slogan “The hungry can’t stay silent” has emerged as a rallying cry for those demanding urgent reforms and better distribution of oil revenues.The Angolan government has responded with a heavy security presence, leading to clashes that have left several protesters dead and many more injured. Human rights groups have condemned the use of excessive force and called for dialogue to address the grievances.Analysts point to Angola’s dependence on oil exports, fluctuating global prices, and economic mismanagement as root causes behind the crisis. While oil revenues have helped rebuild infrastructure since the end of a decades-long civil war, wealth inequality remains stark, and many citizens have not felt the benefits.International organizations are urging the government to tackle corruption, diversify the economy, and invest in social programs to alleviate poverty and prevent further unrest.Sources: – BBC News — “Angola protests: Why are the oil-rich country’s people angry?” (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67060060) – Al Jazeera — “Angola protests: Security forces clash with demonstrators over economic crisis” (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/09/angola-protests-security-crackdown) – Reuters — “Oil-rich Angola faces growing unrest amid soaring poverty” (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/angola-protests-economic-hardship-2025-09-15) For further updates, visit selemedia.org/. Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter

  • Protecting Our Domestic Refiners: A Key to Nigeria’s Energy Security

    Protecting Our Domestic Refiners: A Key to Nigeria’s Energy Security

    Sele Media Africa
    selemedia.org/
    Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa Reporter
    September 17, 2025

    Nigeria’s ambition to achieve energy self-sufficiency hinges significantly on the protection and support of its domestic refining industry. As the country strives to reduce fuel import dependency, safeguarding local refineries from sabotage, smuggling, and policy inconsistencies remains a top priority.

    Challenges Facing Domestic Refiners

    • Sabotage and Vandalism: Nigerian refineries and pipelines have frequently been targets of vandalism and militant attacks, disrupting production and leading to huge financial losses. (Premium Times)
    • Fuel Smuggling: Cheap fuel smuggled from neighboring countries undermines the competitiveness of locally refined products, threatening the sustainability of domestic refineries. (Vanguard)
      -Policy Uncertainty: Inconsistent government policies and regulatory frameworks sometimes disincentivize investments in refinery maintenance and expansion. (ThisDay)

    Government Actions and Industry Efforts

    • Security Enhancements: The Nigerian government has intensified security patrols and surveillance around refinery sites to prevent attacks and minimize downtime. Collaboration between the military, security agencies, and refinery management is key. (Channels TV)
    • Support for Dangote Refinery: The recent commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, symbolizes a strategic move to boost local refining capacity. Efforts to protect and maximize output from this facility are critical to meeting national fuel demands. (BBC News)
    • Anti-Smuggling Measures: Border controls have been strengthened to combat fuel smuggling, alongside ongoing public awareness campaigns about the economic impact of illegal trade. (Punch)

    Why Protecting Domestic Refiners Matters

    • Energy Independence: Boosting local refining reduces Nigeria’s vulnerability to global oil price shocks and supply chain disruptions.
    • Economic Growth: Domestic refineries create jobs, stimulate industrial activities, and contribute to government revenues.
    • National Security: Stable fuel supply is essential for transportation, power generation, and overall national development.

    Conclusion

    Protecting domestic refiners is not just an industrial issue; it is a strategic imperative for Nigeria’s economic and energy future. Coordinated efforts between government, security agencies, and the private sector will be vital in securing Nigeria’s refining assets and realizing the dream of energy self-sufficiency.

    For continuous updates on Nigeria’s energy sector and more, visit Sele Media Africa.

  • Banditry: When Nigeria Fights Back Against Insecurity

    Banditry: When Nigeria Fights Back Against Insecurity

    Sele Media Africa selemedia.org/ Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa Reporter September 17, 2025

    Nigeria’s struggle with banditry, kidnappings, and violent extremism continues to be one of its gravest security challenges. But recent developments suggest the country is moving from reactive to more proactive strategies, and some hard‑won gains are beginning to show.What the Situation Looks Like- Banditry remains especially severe in the North‑West and North‑Central regions, where armed criminal gangs raid villages, abduct residents for ransom, burn homes, and operate with relative impunity. [1] – In Zamfara State especially, bandit leaders target communities and often demand ransom; in some cases, even after ransom is paid, hostages are harmed or killed. [2] – The insecurity has displaced many, disrupted farming and other livelihood activities, and bred deep anxiety in affected communities. [3]How Nigeria Is Fighting Back 1. Military, Police, and Air Operations – A significant operation in Zamfara’s Bukkuyum area saw Nigerian military ground and air forces kill more than 100 bandits in an early‑morning raid on a forest camp. [4]- Security forces captured or neutralised many high profile bandit or extremist leaders, disrupting their command structures. [5] 2. Coordination & New Security Structures – The Multi‑Agency Anti‑Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) & National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), is pooling intelligence, coordinating missions, and working to track and dismantle kidnap syndicates. [1] – Northern groups have largely supported more robust military deployments in troubled states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi. [6] 3. Official Claims of Progress – Nigeria’s Information Minister has stated that the government is “winning the war against terror and banditry,” citing elimination of bandit commanders and increased operational success. [7] – In addition, the government reports rescues of hostages, arrests of suspects, dismantling of illegal refineries (which often fund criminal networks), and voluntary surrenders of some armed criminals. Mixed Views & Challenges Remaining- Despite these successes, critics warn that progress is uneven. For many in the hardest hit communities, the frequency of attacks is still too high, and the cost in lives and livelihoods remains huge. [1]- Also, there are concerns over alleged complicity of politicians in some areas— accusations that some officials provide protection or services to bandit elements. These narratives undermine trust in government responses. [8] – There are also humanitarian concerns: the displaced, orphans, broken farms, interrupted education, and trauma are still very real in many affected zones. Just killing or arresting offenders isn’t enough without addressing root causes like poverty, unemployment, and weak governance. [1] Outlook & What Needs to Be Done- For the current momentum to translate into lasting security, Nigeria needs to sustain pressure: continuous operations, improved intelligence, community cooperation, and oversight to ensure human rights are respected. – Empowering community‑based security actors or “hunters” (where legal) has been proposed, especially in remote areas where government presence is thin. [9] – Political will is essential. Criticism of politicians’ links to banditry shows that unless those structures are cleaned, no amount of military effort will fully succeed. [8] Conclusion:There is reason for cautious optimism: Nigeria is showing signs of fighting back, with measurable wins in operations, new coordination mechanisms, and societal pushback against banditry. But the path ahead is long, and the losses already incurred demand that the fight against insecurity be sustained, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of affected communities.For more on Nigeria’s security challenges and responses, check out “Banditry: When Nigeria Fights Back against Insecurity” by Senator Iroegbu in Vanguard News. [1]Citations:1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/banditry-when-nigeria-fights-back-against-insecurity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com2.

    Vanguard News:www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/banditry-its-politics-and-practitioners/?utm_source=chatgpt.com3. AP News: apnews.com/article/nigeria-killings-bandits-insecurity-tinubu-13ca838d972feb44e2c2006524a3e259?utm_source=chatgpt.com4. Arab News: www.arabnews.com/node/2611463/world?utm_source=chatgpt.com5.

    The Nation Newspaper: thenationonlineng.net/the-triumph-of-military-over-bandit-leaders/?utm_source=chatgpt.com6.

    The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/banditry-northern-groups-back-matawalles-military-deployment-in-sokoto/?utm_source=chatgpt.com7.

    The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria-winning-war-against-terror-banditry-minister/?utm_source=chatgpt.com8.

    The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/arewa-youths-call-for-crackdown-on-politicians-linked-to-banditry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com9.

    USAfricaLive: usafricaonline.com/2025/04/26/nigeria-banditry-hunters-and-farmers-seek-fg-backing-to-combat-rising-insecurity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

  • BREAKING NEWS: Young Baker and Brother Kidnapped in Plateau Amid Rising Abductions*

    *BREAKING NEWS: Young Baker and Brother Kidnapped in Plateau Amid Rising Abductions*

    *Reported by Suzan Daniel — Sele Media Africa*

    A wave of fear has gripped residents of Jos North, Plateau State, following the kidnapping of a young baker, *Allwell Nelson*, and her brother, *Bright Benard*, in *Dong community*, a suburb of Jos North Local Government Area.Allwell, known for her thriving baking business and recently celebrated engagement, was abducted alongside her brother. According to reports, she remains in captivity as the kidnappers demand a *₦50 million ransom* for their release.The incident, which occurred just days before her planned wedding, has sparked outrage on social media, especially after *Grand Duke*, a prominent voice on X (formerly Twitter), raised alarm about the increasing spate of kidnappings in Jos North and neighboring *Bassa LGA*.In his tweet, Grand Duke described *Dong* as *“a danger zone within the city”*, emphasizing that attacks in areas like *Agingi* — which suffered a similar assault only a day earlier — have become *“daily occurrences.”*He called on security agencies to act swiftly to curb the growing trend of *terror-linked abductions* in Plateau communities, stating that *no resident feels safe anymore.*Many now fear that towns like Dong, Agingi, and several others across Jos North and Bassa are *rapidly becoming hotbeds for terrorist activity*, with residents constantly living in fear of abduction.The People Cry Out“This can’t continue unchecked,” said one community leader in Dong. “We are pleading with the government to intervene before more lives are lost or destroyed.”Stay with *Sele Media Africa* for updates on this developing story.

  • BREAKING: “Ajaokuta Steel Industry May Never Work” – Aliko Dangote Declares

    BREAKING: “Ajaokuta Steel Industry May Never Work” – Aliko Dangote Declares

    Sele Media Africa | Business Desk
    Reported by Suzan Daniel | Sept. 17, 2025

    In a candid statement that has sparked fresh debate across the nation, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said the long-abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi State may never become operational.Dangote made this known while addressing stakeholders in the steel and industrial sectors. According to him, rapid technological advancements globally have rendered the original concept of the Ajaokuta Steel project outdated, making its revival economically unviable. ⁠“We have moved past that level of steel production technology. Ajaokuta is stuck in the past. Even if it’s revived, it may never compete globally,” he said.The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, initiated in 1979, was meant to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrialization. However, decades of neglect, mismanagement, and failed attempts at resuscitation have left it dormant, despite billions of naira in investment.Dangote’s remarks are seen by many as a realistic acknowledgment of a failed dream, while others believe it is a call for a complete rethinking of Nigeria’s industrial policy.

  • Study Reveals Dangerous Methanol Levels and Fake Labels in Mokolo Market Alcoholic Drinks

    Study Reveals Dangerous Methanol Levels and Fake Labels in Mokolo Market Alcoholic Drinks

    Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

    A newly published scientific study has raised serious public health concerns over the safety and authenticity of alcoholic beverages sold at Mokolo Market in Yaoundé, Cameroon — one of Central Africa’s busiest and most popular marketplaces.

    The study, published in the Journal of Food Processing & Beverages, revealed alarming levels of methanol, fraudulent labeling, and quality control issues in both traditional and industrially bottled drinks sold to consumers.

    Key Findings:

    • Methanol levels in some whiskey samples reached 138.2 mg/L, almost three times higher than the EU’s safe limit of 50 mg/L.
    • Traditional drinks like palm wine and odontol had lower methanol levels (14.5–40.3 mg/L) but still exceeded Nigeria’s NAFDAC limit of 5 mg/L for locally brewed alcoholic beverages.
    • Most traditional drinks analyzed had no alcohol percentage labels, raising safety and consumer transparency concerns.
    • Many bottles lacked batch numbers, and some had identical batch numbers across different brands, a red flag for counterfeit production or poor quality control.
    • – A mismatch was also found between the declared and actual alcohol content, pointing to fraudulent labeling practices.

    The researchers warned that regular consumption of these beverages could pose serious health risks, especially among low-income consumers who rely on these products due to their affordability.

    The study calls for urgent regulatory enforcement and testing by Cameroon’s health and food authorities to safeguard p

  • Ghana: The Sibo Brothers’ Legacy — Kwasi Honors Simon’s Number 15

    Ghana: The Sibo Brothers’ Legacy — Kwasi Honors Simon’s Number 15

    Sele Media Africa — Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

    In a touching tribute to family and legacy, Kwasi Sibo has taken on the number 15 jersey for his debut with Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, in 2025 — the same jersey his older brother Simon Zibo wore while playing for the Black Meteors (Ghana U‑23) back in 2019. [1]

    🔍 Key Details

    • 2019: Simon Zibo wore the No. 15 jersey for Ghana U‑23 (the Black Meteors) during the CAF U‑23 Championship qualifiers. [2]
    • 2025: Kwasi Sibo is called up to the Black Stars and picks the same No. 15, symbolizing respect for his brother’s path and a nod to family heritage. [3]
    • The move is being celebrated by fans who see it as a powerful reminder of continuity and honoring those who laid the groundwork. [4]

    🗣️ What It Means

    Kwasi’s choice reflects more than just a jersey number — it’s a gesture of respect, a lifting up of family pride, and a silent promise to carry forward the legacy. In a sport where jersey numbers can carry symbolic weight, this marks a deeply personal moment for the Sibo family and fans of Ghanaian football alike.

    Stay tuned to Sele Media Africa for more stories of heart, heritage, and hope.

    Citations:

    1. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ghanasportsupdatetv/posts/-the-story-of-kwasi-sibo-and-his-brother-simon-sibo2019-simon-zibo-left-wore-the/764781916405993/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    2. Pulse Ghana: www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/football/check-out-black-meteors-jersey-numbers-for-2019-caf-u23-of-nations-2024080822465607743?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    3. GhanaWeb: www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Family-Pride-Kwasi-Sibo-fulfills-Black-Stars-dream-for-his-brother-Simon-2000012?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    4. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ghanasportsupdatetv/photos/-the-story-of-kwasi-sibo-and-his-brother-simon-sibo2019-simon-zibo-left-wore-the/764781183072733/?utm_source=chatgpt.com