“I have talked about what is coming for more than ten years. The people in our church are ready for this. Therefore, nothing of what is happening now is a surprise to me.
Every god of America has fallen – sports have fallen, Hollywood has fallen, television shows canceled. Even the god of some mega churches fell, these churches are empty today. I have warned for years that churches will disappear in one night.
I hold in my hands the Rockefeller Organisation document, which was published in 2010. Here is the script that we met today.
What is happening now is not an accident; everything was planned. Bill Gates talked about the pandemic four years ago. The document is called “Scenario for Future Technology and International Development,” 53 pages. It says here that the result of this scenario will be:
“20 percent of the world’s population will be infected. People’s mobility will be blocked, airports will be closed. Sports events will be canceled, shops closed, theaters closed, churches astounded. A pandemic will produce shortages, including disinfectants and toilet paper. If people refuse the vaccine, they will not be allowed to travel. Political assemblies will be illegal, public protests will be banned. Martial law will be introduced and the new global control system will come into effect. People around the world will be open to sharing their security rights”.
The plan was to use a pandemic to control the planet. Not just a virus is enough for this; fear is enough for this. This week I talked with different people from about thirty countries, with pastors of thousands of churches, and none of them know a single person infected with coronavirus. I do not say that he does not exist, I say that he is a weapon to control people with fear. Media is part of the whole process because they are designed to instill fear 24/7 on people.
Coronavirus has been in America since last year. I saw a request from the Center for Disease Control about hiring people in quarantined medical facilities in 19 major US cities. The request was made in November 2019. This is all fraud and a means of control by which they want to reduce the population.
What is written in the book of Revelation is printed. Globalists lead us to a single government, a single monetary system and the coming of antichrist. And I believe that God raised Trump to suspend it.
There are three possible scenarios. The first is the beginning of the last days according to the book of Revelation. But I am inclined to believe that this is a great test.
Second, the World Health Organization will try to promote the globalist plan and force everyone to make a fake vaccine. The vaccine is already there. And they will kill a lot of people with their vaccine (just like people die from a flu vaccine), because the goal of the vaccine is to reduce the world’s population.
And the third scenario, which I am inclined to, is that God will overturn all this on the heads of globalists, using President Trump, and will close it all over the next month. And all that they planned will come to zero.
This is what we will pray for – that God will drive the wheels out of the chariots of the pharaoh. Within a week or two, I will find out if the third scenario is accurate, and I’ll let you know.
At the moment, I do not advise people to fly to other countries, because changes may happen in the next couple of weeks. I encourage everyone to stock up on water and food until the end of April.
And I will be storing food for our church, because I have to take care of the church. I want you to know that the church is for you, and here you can feel protected. I don’t know how crazy the next two to three weeks will be, but you don’t get crazy.
Stay strong in the Lord, remembering that He will never leave you. There is peace in my heart. At the heart of my assistant Eric is peace. This is the time when we will see cities and nations shocked by the glory of God. This is harvest time.
This is not a time of religion and playing a warm church, it is a time of radicals – such as Elisha, Elijah, Paul … And this is also the time when you take away the wealth of this world. This is the time of the transfer of wealth into the hands of God’s children.
I forbid all fear in your lives! Stop listening to lying media! You can choose to listen to the media and scamper in fear, like hens that have their heads chopped off, or stand on God’s word, which will keep its people at this time.
When doctors say that they cannot do anything, when bankers say that they cannot do anything, when heads of administrations say that they cannot do anything, God comes to the very middle of the impossible!”.
NIGERIAN BORN HUMAN RIGHT LAWYER AND ACTIVIST, BARRISTER HABEEB IBIDAPO – WHYTE WHO GRADUATED FROM UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA IN 2013 WITH A SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION IN LAW AND A SOLICITOR AND BARRISTER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA IN THIS ENCOUNTER WITH ADEJOLA ADEYEMI CROWN DURING TROPIC REPORTERS COMMUNICATION ONLINE MASTER CLASS FOR NEWS CORRESPONDENTS TAGGED: “LEARNING JOURNALISM THROUGH THE LAW”, THE E-LEARNING MASTER CLASS WHICH TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY 14TH MARCH, 2020 HAD CLOSE TO 106 PARTICIPANTS IN ATTENDANCE.
BARRISTER HABEEB WHYTE WHO SPOKE ABOUT THE ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS, PRINCIPLES AND BEHAVIOURS OF A NEWS CORRESPONDENT TO ENABLE A SANE SOCIETY AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. EXCERPTS…
Several quarters argued that Journalistic professionalism is derailing. What can you say about that?
Several quarters?
I would be glad if we can get statement of facts to buttress their stance on a noble profession like journalism. It is important to note that the society would cease existence without journalists. That realm holds and controls life.
Yes, it is arguable that the proper nobility and ethics upholding syndrome might be missing in the act of some journalists but it does not suffice to say that the art of professionalism is derailing.
You would agree with me that journalism practice entails a great deal of fiduciary relationship between the journalist and members of the society, to whom the journalist publishes. This relationship therefore entrusts a commendable level of responsibility on the journalist.
A good practice of journalism demands high compliance with the legal and ethical dictates of the profession.
Let’s just say that why do Journalists betray the core values of their ethics. Is it that they are ignorant of the laws and principles of their profession?
I think when we answer the above, we can safely conclude on whether or not journalistic professionalism is derailing or not…
What are the code of practice expected of a news correspondent?
There is no doubt that every profession has it’s own code of practice. These are principles that guides the relationship of a profession to his clients. Here, the journalist and the society.
In disseminating the news as a correspondent, they have an ethical obligation to seek the truth, avoid sensationalism and trivia, and protect individual privacy interests.
Is there a constitutional right to news reporting or gathering?
The ethical obligation of all journalist in the world is basically hinged on nine core principle, which is called ‘ Statement of Shared Purpose’.
The Statement of Shared Purpose defines the central purpose of journalism as providing citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society.
It identifies nine Core Principles:
(1) Journalisms first obligation is to the truth;
(2) Its first loyalty is to citizens;
(3) Its essence is a discipline of verification;
(4) Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover;
(5) It must serve as an independent monitor of power;
(6) It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise;
(7) It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant;
(8) It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional; and
(9) Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience…
These nine Core Principles will be summarized into three primary ethical obligations of the press:
(1) an obligation to speak truthfully and accurately,
(2) an obligation to maintain independence and loyalty to the citizenry, and
(3) an obligation to avoid sensationalism and trivia and to protect individual privacy interests in the dissemination of newsworthy information.
These ethical obligations exist in virtually all ethics codes in some form or another. Moreover, these rules of behavior codified by the media create an express, almost moral, obligation to the public to act ethically and responsibly.
Is there a constitutional rights to news reporting or gathering?
There is, every Nigerian is a beneficiary of the Fundamental Human Rights provision contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right.
So as a News reporter or a reporter in at a gathering, your fundamental human rights are inalienable.
Furthermore, the constitution in Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended in 2011), under the heading the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Free Press states that:
(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions.
In spite of the constitutional guarantees, press freedom in Nigeria has been hindered by a number of factors. The foremost instruments of press control in Nigeria are laws, policies and regulations. Many mass media laws are in existence to regulate journalism practice in the country. These include: defamation, sedition, obscenity, copyright, privacy and official secrecy laws. For journalists to practise their profession well, they need to be fairly versed with the mass media laws among other requirements.
Can journalists or news correspondents trespass. Like reporting or filming a private property?
I love this question.
I took up a case of filming with a private property recently in Abeokuta and the fact remains that a Private motor coy (name withheld) did made a documentary of their business by a journalist using the Private property of another Billionaire in Abeokuta (name withheld) as a background of their shot.
The intention of the journalist that directed that short documentary was not aimed at using the property for any illicit purpose or illegal purpose but the owner of the property upon sighting the video reported the case to the IGP and from Abuja, signals were sent down to Eleweran and from Eleweran, the DPO of Ibara was ordered to make arrest and charge the journalist and everyone found at the office of the Motor company.
When the Police got to the office of the Motor company, they arrested everyone and I was also at that office that same time. I was arrested too and some other customers.
We got to the Police Station and we got to know the reason for the arrest. We were told that the journalist made a short documentary that had the property of the billionaire shown conspicuously in it.
Immediately, I heard this, I know the company is in trouble because it is wrong for a journalist to report it film a private property at anytime. If he must use the property, he must take permission. I had to immediately wade in and put calls across through some contacts and the billionaire had to let go and undertaking was made that such would not repeat itself.
That act of filming with no permission is trespass on property. It is an offence punishable under the law.
Talking about FREEDOM OF SPEECH VIZ-A-VIZ PRESS FREEDOM. Do we really have Press Freedom in Nigeria because we have seen where NEWS CORRESPONDENTS are attacked and imprisoned?
If a Journalist is arrested. What can such person do ?
Yes, we have press freedom in Nigeria. However we can safely say that Nigeria has not been too lucky to have leaders that would allow the proper press freedom to operate as intended by the law.
However, the rights of speech is not absolute but limited. Reporters that spread fake news are deserving of imprisonment.
If a journalist is arrested, the first thing he should request for is to speak to his lawyer immediately. The lawyer would take other steps up.
Please no journalist should argue arrest with a man that is holding gun. Dead men tell no tales and accidental discharge is a good defense in law.
Just submit yourself for arrest.
What does the law says about PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism is a copyright infringement. This occurs when any person uses any of your work – no matter how small it is – for any of his/her personal benefits irrespective of whether or not he gives you the attribution, unless that person has a written permission from you. Content could be in many forms such as text, artwork, sound and video (including animations), ideas, inventions or symbols.
Once your work is published – irrespective of whether on paper or digital media – you own the sole rights to: use the work; allow reuse; allow derivatives and allow others make profit from your work.
If you are the copyright holder, it means that ONLY YOU are allowed to make copies of the work and should you wish – others and only the ones to whom you give written permission can use the work.
At this point it is important to note that the saying “because it’s posted on the internet, then it’s free” is totally misleading and untrue.
Nigeria’s Copyright Act (Section 20), if a person is convicted by the Federal High Court for the sale, possession or distribution of copyrighted material for purposes of trade or business, he or she is liable to a fine of ₦100 for every copy of the infringing work and/or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding …
Is there any rule guiding Court reporting?
Theres is no specific rule that guide court reporting except for the fact that the court must consent to the reporting of its proceedings. Reporting court proceedings without the permission of the court, it is tantamount to contempt of court.
We can easily say that the guides are Judge made under the guise of exercising their discretion in a judicial and judicious manner.
In Nigeria, Journalists are occasionally confronted with such issues as Contempt of Court. In 2012, for instance, a magistrate court judge ordered the police to arrest and detain seven judiciary correspondents in Lagos, south west Nigeria.
The judge accused the journalists of allegedly disturbing court sessions with their cameras and phones, as they were said to be busy clicking for exclusive pictures, which eventually angered the judge, who handed down the order.
Based on the directive, which was interpreted as contempt of court, the journalists were moved from the court premises at Ikeja GRA to Area F police command for eventual detention.
Do Reporters have the right to Access a crime scene?
Reproters have the right to access a crime scene and make report thereof.
It forms part of the processes in performing their duties. There is no law that prohibits them from doing that. It is an exclusive right.
Is it important for Media organizations to have legal advisers?
It is a must for any reasonable media organisation to have a legal Adviser. The legal adviser would put them through laws guiding media operations and consequences of some professional acts. It is necessary.
What are the differences between these words; Journalist, Blogger and News Correspondent?
Journalist is someone that is well trained in news reporting and media activities. He holds a certificate evidencing that he is well skilled in the art of journalistic professionalism. Bloggers are referred to as casual or online content producer. He operates through blogs. While News correspondent is a journalist that reports events to a Media outfit for processing and onward transmission to the public.
Concerning Copyright infringement, Can I sue anyone who uses my work without my permission, when I have not registered my company with the CAC or any of the bodies under Copyright?
The law does not operate on illegality.
You cannot have your cake and eat it.
If a friend uses your idea which you have not copyrighted or which you dont even have a registered company which you operate under, the person has not committed any crime.
If you report, you must show how the idea became yours.
The law does not allow a party to benefit from their wrong or mischief.
You must register your media house under CAC. Get accreditation from NBC and always ensure you copyright your ideas and ensure you allow people to sign a NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT with you before sharing your ideas.
What is the legal action to be taken if someone’s picture is used for an advertisement on a bill board without seeking consent?
Good, Sometimes in June last year, I handled a case like this for a client. What happened was that the client was at OOPL for a visit and he was at the bar with a friend. At that bar, the International Brewery staffs were doing a promo show promoting Trophy Lager Beer.
They took random pictures and used it on their twitter timeline. A friend of my client called his attention of his picture wherein bottles of trophy were at his front and used it on their social media page.
He called me up and explained. I wrote Internation brewery at their office at ikoyi and they responded by asking the advertisement agency to clear the mess because the know that it was wrong for pictures of people to be used without their permission.
The media agency on the long run after series of writings ended up paying damages worth millions. Anyone that use your picture without your knowledge must pay. If you are in this condition, do let me know. We can make millions. Let’s do business please (smiles)
Does a journalist have to necessarily hold a certificate in Journalism?
For example someone that studied Animal Science in the University with interest in Journalism. Does such person needs certificate to practice?
Yes, you need certification for the practice of journalism. It is important that you must acquire the skills needed to practice it effectively.
Journalism is for Professionals. You should remember that we have a body called NUJ in Nigeria. You must belong to that body before you can call yourself a Journalist.
What should be the disposition of Journalists to anti – hate speech advocacy in line with relevant Nigerian laws?
Very well, Journalists must oppose hate speech advocacy frowning around because it would hinder their professionalism and incapacitate them especially when opinions of journalists are been misinterpreted just to soothe the law.
However, some of our laws have protected journalist from intimidation and unjust use of the law.
What can you say about this. There’s freedom of speech, how about freedom after speech?
There is freedom after speech if what you have said is the truth and authentic.
The defenses to your story that affects someone through your writings are as follows:
Apart from the above defences that are more popular and easily enforced, another defence appears to be emerging. It is referred to as the defence of innocence.
The defence of innocence generally avail newspaper vendors, booksellers and libraries whose main thrust of business is disseminating information materials. If therefore in the course of their business, they got involved in disseminating libelous defamatory matters, they can raise the defence of innocence. Claiming among other things that:
i. They are ignorant of the libelous matter at the time of their business.
ii. They are not ordinarily negligent in not discovering the alleged libelous matters in the normal cause of dissemination.
The burden of proof therefore is on the person complaining to lay evidence in order to prove his ignorance to the libel and lack of negligence in not discovering the libel.
Finally, what can you say about defamation?
Defamation is a transmission of words to a third party, either orally or written, of information which tends to damage the reputation of another person. It is the . It is the publication of a statement, which exposes a person to hatred, ridicule, contempt and/or causes him to be shunned or avoided by right-thinking members of the society.
The phraseology right thinking members of the society involved above was equated in meaning to refer to reasonable and not unreasonable members of the society.
Defamation can be at once a civil as well as a criminal act. Criminal defamation is defined both in the criminal and penal codes. Section 373 of the criminal code defines defamation of the matter as matter likely to injure the reputation of any person in this profession or trade. Even a dead person can be defamed according to the law, provided that no prosecution for the publications of defamatory matter concerning a dead person shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation or of the State. Chapter 23, of the Penal Code deals with Defamation sections 391 and 392.
In section 392 of the Penal Code, “whoever defames another shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years or with fine or with both. Section 375 of Criminal Code provides that any person who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty and liable for imprisonment for one year, and any person who publishes any defamatory matters knowing it to be false is liable to imprisonment for two years.
NIGERIAN BORN HUMAN RIGHT LAWYER AND ACTIVIST, BARRISTER HABEEB IBIDAPO – WHYTE WHO GRADUATED FROM UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA IN 2013 WITH A SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION IN LAW AND A SOLICITOR AND BARRISTER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA IN THIS ENCOUNTER WITH ADEJOLA ADEYEMI CROWN DURING TROPIC REPORTERS COMMUNICATION ONLINE MASTER CLASS FOR NEWS CORRESPONDENTS TAGGED: “LEARNING JOURNALISM THROUGH THE LAW”, THE E-LEARNING MASTER CLASS WHICH TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY 14TH MARCH, 2020 HAD CLOSE TO 106 PARTICIPANTS IN ATTENDANCE.
BARRISTER HABEEB WHYTE WHO SPOKE ABOUT THE ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS, PRINCIPLES AND BEHAVIOURS OF A NEWS CORRESPONDENT TO ENABLE A SANE SOCIETY AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. EXCERPTS…
Several quarters argued that Journalistic professionalism is derailing. What can you say about that?
Several quarters?
I would be glad if we can get statement of facts to buttress their stance on a noble profession like journalism. It is important to note that the society would cease existence without journalists. That realm holds and controls life.
Yes, it is arguable that the proper nobility and ethics upholding syndrome might be missing in the act of some journalists but it does not suffice to say that the art of professionalism is derailing.
You would agree with me that journalism practice entails a great deal of fiduciary relationship between the journalist and members of the society, to whom the journalist publishes. This relationship therefore entrusts a commendable level of responsibility on the journalist.
A good practice of journalism demands high compliance with the legal and ethical dictates of the profession.
Let’s just say that why do Journalists betray the core values of their ethics. Is it that they are ignorant of the laws and principles of their profession?
I think when we answer the above, we can safely conclude on whether or not journalistic professionalism is derailing or not…
What are the code of practice expected of a news correspondent?
There is no doubt that every profession has it’s own code of practice. These are principles that guides the relationship of a profession to his clients. Here, the journalist and the society.
In disseminating the news as a correspondent, they have an ethical obligation to seek the truth, avoid sensationalism and trivia, and protect individual privacy interests.
Is there a constitutional right to news reporting or gathering?
The ethical obligation of all journalist in the world is basically hinged on nine core principle, which is called ‘ Statement of Shared Purpose’.
The Statement of Shared Purpose defines the central purpose of journalism as providing citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society.
It identifies nine Core Principles:
(1) Journalisms first obligation is to the truth;
(2) Its first loyalty is to citizens;
(3) Its essence is a discipline of verification;
(4) Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover;
(5) It must serve as an independent monitor of power;
(6) It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise;
(7) It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant;
(8) It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional; and
(9) Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience…
These nine Core Principles will be summarized into three primary ethical obligations of the press:
(1) an obligation to speak truthfully and accurately,
(2) an obligation to maintain independence and loyalty to the citizenry, and
(3) an obligation to avoid sensationalism and trivia and to protect individual privacy interests in the dissemination of newsworthy information.
These ethical obligations exist in virtually all ethics codes in some form or another. Moreover, these rules of behavior codified by the media create an express, almost moral, obligation to the public to act ethically and responsibly.
Is there a constitutional rights to news reporting or gathering?
There is, every Nigerian is a beneficiary of the Fundamental Human Rights provision contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right.
So as a News reporter or a reporter in at a gathering, your fundamental human rights are inalienable.
Furthermore, the constitution in Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended in 2011), under the heading the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Free Press states that:
(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions.
In spite of the constitutional guarantees, press freedom in Nigeria has been hindered by a number of factors. The foremost instruments of press control in Nigeria are laws, policies and regulations. Many mass media laws are in existence to regulate journalism practice in the country. These include: defamation, sedition, obscenity, copyright, privacy and official secrecy laws. For journalists to practise their profession well, they need to be fairly versed with the mass media laws among other requirements.
Can journalists or news correspondents trespass. Like reporting or filming a private property?
I love this question.
I took up a case of filming with a private property recently in Abeokuta and the fact remains that a Private motor coy (name withheld) did made a documentary of their business by a journalist using the Private property of another Billionaire in Abeokuta (name withheld) as a background of their shot.
The intention of the journalist that directed that short documentary was not aimed at using the property for any illicit purpose or illegal purpose but the owner of the property upon sighting the video reported the case to the IGP and from Abuja, signals were sent down to Eleweran and from Eleweran, the DPO of Ibara was ordered to make arrest and charge the journalist and everyone found at the office of the Motor company.
When the Police got to the office of the Motor company, they arrested everyone and I was also at that office that same time. I was arrested too and some other customers.
We got to the Police Station and we got to know the reason for the arrest. We were told that the journalist made a short documentary that had the property of the billionaire shown conspicuously in it.
Immediately, I heard this, I know the company is in trouble because it is wrong for a journalist to report it film a private property at anytime. If he must use the property, he must take permission. I had to immediately wade in and put calls across through some contacts and the billionaire had to let go and undertaking was made that such would not repeat itself.
That act of filming with no permission is trespass on property. It is an offence punishable under the law.
Talking about FREEDOM OF SPEECH VIZ-A-VIZ PRESS FREEDOM. Do we really have Press Freedom in Nigeria because we have seen where NEWS CORRESPONDENTS are attacked and imprisoned?
If a Journalist is arrested. What can such person do ?
Yes, we have press freedom in Nigeria. However we can safely say that Nigeria has not been too lucky to have leaders that would allow the proper press freedom to operate as intended by the law.
However, the rights of speech is not absolute but limited. Reporters that spread fake news are deserving of imprisonment.
If a journalist is arrested, the first thing he should request for is to speak to his lawyer immediately. The lawyer would take other steps up.
Please no journalist should argue arrest with a man that is holding gun. Dead men tell no tales and accidental discharge is a good defense in law.
Just submit yourself for arrest.
What does the law says about PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism is a copyright infringement. This occurs when any person uses any of your work – no matter how small it is – for any of his/her personal benefits irrespective of whether or not he gives you the attribution, unless that person has a written permission from you. Content could be in many forms such as text, artwork, sound and video (including animations), ideas, inventions or symbols.
Once your work is published – irrespective of whether on paper or digital media – you own the sole rights to: use the work; allow reuse; allow derivatives and allow others make profit from your work.
If you are the copyright holder, it means that ONLY YOU are allowed to make copies of the work and should you wish – others and only the ones to whom you give written permission can use the work.
At this point it is important to note that the saying “because it’s posted on the internet, then it’s free” is totally misleading and untrue.
Nigeria’s Copyright Act (Section 20), if a person is convicted by the Federal High Court for the sale, possession or distribution of copyrighted material for purposes of trade or business, he or she is liable to a fine of ₦100 for every copy of the infringing work and/or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding …
Is there any rule guiding Court reporting?
Theres is no specific rule that guide court reporting except for the fact that the court must consent to the reporting of its proceedings. Reporting court proceedings without the permission of the court, it is tantamount to contempt of court.
We can easily say that the guides are Judge made under the guise of exercising their discretion in a judicial and judicious manner.
In Nigeria, Journalists are occasionally confronted with such issues as Contempt of Court. In 2012, for instance, a magistrate court judge ordered the police to arrest and detain seven judiciary correspondents in Lagos, south west Nigeria.
The judge accused the journalists of allegedly disturbing court sessions with their cameras and phones, as they were said to be busy clicking for exclusive pictures, which eventually angered the judge, who handed down the order.
Based on the directive, which was interpreted as contempt of court, the journalists were moved from the court premises at Ikeja GRA to Area F police command for eventual detention.
Do Reporters have the right to Access a crime scene?
Reproters have the right to access a crime scene and make report thereof.
It forms part of the processes in performing their duties. There is no law that prohibits them from doing that. It is an exclusive right.
Is it important for Media organizations to have legal advisers?
It is a must for any reasonable media organisation to have a legal Adviser. The legal adviser would put them through laws guiding media operations and consequences of some professional acts. It is necessary.
What are the differences between these words; Journalist, Blogger and News Correspondent?
Journalist is someone that is well trained in news reporting and media activities. He holds a certificate evidencing that he is well skilled in the art of journalistic professionalism. Bloggers are referred to as casual or online content producer. He operates through blogs. While News correspondent is a journalist that reports events to a Media outfit for processing and onward transmission to the public.
Concerning Copyright infringement, Can I sue anyone who uses my work without my permission, when I have not registered my company with the CAC or any of the bodies under Copyright?
The law does not operate on illegality.
You cannot have your cake and eat it.
If a friend uses your idea which you have not copyrighted or which you dont even have a registered company which you operate under, the person has not committed any crime.
If you report, you must show how the idea became yours.
The law does not allow a party to benefit from their wrong or mischief.
You must register your media house under CAC. Get accreditation from NBC and always ensure you copyright your ideas and ensure you allow people to sign a NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT with you before sharing your ideas.
What is the legal action to be taken if someone’s picture is used for an advertisement on a bill board without seeking consent?
Good, Sometimes in June last year, I handled a case like this for a client. What happened was that the client was at OOPL for a visit and he was at the bar with a friend. At that bar, the International Brewery staffs were doing a promo show promoting Trophy Lager Beer.
They took random pictures and used it on their twitter timeline. A friend of my client called his attention of his picture wherein bottles of trophy were at his front and used it on their social media page.
He called me up and explained. I wrote Internation brewery at their office at ikoyi and they responded by asking the advertisement agency to clear the mess because the know that it was wrong for pictures of people to be used without their permission.
The media agency on the long run after series of writings ended up paying damages worth millions. Anyone that use your picture without your knowledge must pay. If you are in this condition, do let me know. We can make millions. Let’s do business please (smiles)
Does a journalist have to necessarily hold a certificate in Journalism?
For example someone that studied Animal Science in the University with interest in Journalism. Does such person needs certificate to practice?
Yes, you need certification for the practice of journalism. It is important that you must acquire the skills needed to practice it effectively.
Journalism is for Professionals. You should remember that we have a body called NUJ in Nigeria. You must belong to that body before you can call yourself a Journalist.
What should be the disposition of Journalists to anti – hate speech advocacy in line with relevant Nigerian laws?
Very well, Journalists must oppose hate speech advocacy frowning around because it would hinder their professionalism and incapacitate them especially when opinions of journalists are been misinterpreted just to soothe the law.
However, some of our laws have protected journalist from intimidation and unjust use of the law.
What can you say about this. There’s freedom of speech, how about freedom after speech?
There is freedom after speech if what you have said is the truth and authentic.
The defenses to your story that affects someone through your writings are as follows:
Apart from the above defences that are more popular and easily enforced, another defence appears to be emerging. It is referred to as the defence of innocence.
The defence of innocence generally avail newspaper vendors, booksellers and libraries whose main thrust of business is disseminating information materials. If therefore in the course of their business, they got involved in disseminating libelous defamatory matters, they can raise the defence of innocence. Claiming among other things that:
i. They are ignorant of the libelous matter at the time of their business.
ii. They are not ordinarily negligent in not discovering the alleged libelous matters in the normal cause of dissemination.
The burden of proof therefore is on the person complaining to lay evidence in order to prove his ignorance to the libel and lack of negligence in not discovering the libel.
Finally, what can you say about defamation?
Defamation is a transmission of words to a third party, either orally or written, of information which tends to damage the reputation of another person. It is the . It is the publication of a statement, which exposes a person to hatred, ridicule, contempt and/or causes him to be shunned or avoided by right-thinking members of the society.
The phraseology right thinking members of the society involved above was equated in meaning to refer to reasonable and not unreasonable members of the society.
Defamation can be at once a civil as well as a criminal act. Criminal defamation is defined both in the criminal and penal codes. Section 373 of the criminal code defines defamation of the matter as matter likely to injure the reputation of any person in this profession or trade. Even a dead person can be defamed according to the law, provided that no prosecution for the publications of defamatory matter concerning a dead person shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation or of the State. Chapter 23, of the Penal Code deals with Defamation sections 391 and 392.
In section 392 of the Penal Code, “whoever defames another shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years or with fine or with both. Section 375 of Criminal Code provides that any person who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty and liable for imprisonment for one year, and any person who publishes any defamatory matters knowing it to be false is liable to imprisonment for two years.
NIGERIAN BORN HUMAN RIGHT LAWYER AND ACTIVIST, BARRISTER HABEEB IBIDAPO – WHYTE WHO GRADUATED FROM UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA IN 2013 WITH A SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION IN LAW AND A SOLICITOR AND BARRISTER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA IN THIS ENCOUNTER WITH ADEJOLA ADEYEMI CROWN DURING TROPIC REPORTERS COMMUNICATION ONLINE MASTER CLASS FOR NEWS CORRESPONDENTS TAGGED: “LEARNING JOURNALISM THROUGH THE LAW”, THE E-LEARNING MASTER CLASS WHICH TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY 14TH MARCH, 2020 HAD CLOSE TO 106 PARTICIPANTS IN ATTENDANCE.
BARRISTER HABEEB WHYTE WHO SPOKE ABOUT THE ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS, PRINCIPLES AND BEHAVIOURS OF A NEWS CORRESPONDENT TO ENABLE A SANE SOCIETY AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. EXCERPTS…
Several quarters argued that Journalistic professionalism is derailing. What can you say about that?
Several quarters?
I would be glad if we can get statement of facts to buttress their stance on a noble profession like journalism. It is important to note that the society would cease existence without journalists. That realm holds and controls life.
Yes, it is arguable that the proper nobility and ethics upholding syndrome might be missing in the act of some journalists but it does not suffice to say that the art of professionalism is derailing.
You would agree with me that journalism practice entails a great deal of fiduciary relationship between the journalist and members of the society, to whom the journalist publishes. This relationship therefore entrusts a commendable level of responsibility on the journalist.
A good practice of journalism demands high compliance with the legal and ethical dictates of the profession.
Let’s just say that why do Journalists betray the core values of their ethics. Is it that they are ignorant of the laws and principles of their profession?
I think when we answer the above, we can safely conclude on whether or not journalistic professionalism is derailing or not…
What are the code of practice expected of a news correspondent?
There is no doubt that every profession has it’s own code of practice. These are principles that guides the relationship of a profession to his clients. Here, the journalist and the society.
In disseminating the news as a correspondent, they have an ethical obligation to seek the truth, avoid sensationalism and trivia, and protect individual privacy interests.
Is there a constitutional right to news reporting or gathering?
The ethical obligation of all journalist in the world is basically hinged on nine core principle, which is called ‘ Statement of Shared Purpose’.
The Statement of Shared Purpose defines the central purpose of journalism as providing citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society.
It identifies nine Core Principles:
(1) Journalisms first obligation is to the truth;
(2) Its first loyalty is to citizens;
(3) Its essence is a discipline of verification;
(4) Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover;
(5) It must serve as an independent monitor of power;
(6) It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise;
(7) It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant;
(8) It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional; and
(9) Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience…
These nine Core Principles will be summarized into three primary ethical obligations of the press:
(1) an obligation to speak truthfully and accurately,
(2) an obligation to maintain independence and loyalty to the citizenry, and
(3) an obligation to avoid sensationalism and trivia and to protect individual privacy interests in the dissemination of newsworthy information.
These ethical obligations exist in virtually all ethics codes in some form or another. Moreover, these rules of behavior codified by the media create an express, almost moral, obligation to the public to act ethically and responsibly.
Is there a constitutional rights to news reporting or gathering?
There is, every Nigerian is a beneficiary of the Fundamental Human Rights provision contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right.
So as a News reporter or a reporter in at a gathering, your fundamental human rights are inalienable.
Furthermore, the constitution in Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended in 2011), under the heading the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Free Press states that:
(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions.
In spite of the constitutional guarantees, press freedom in Nigeria has been hindered by a number of factors. The foremost instruments of press control in Nigeria are laws, policies and regulations. Many mass media laws are in existence to regulate journalism practice in the country. These include: defamation, sedition, obscenity, copyright, privacy and official secrecy laws. For journalists to practise their profession well, they need to be fairly versed with the mass media laws among other requirements.
Can journalists or news correspondents trespass. Like reporting or filming a private property?
I love this question.
I took up a case of filming with a private property recently in Abeokuta and the fact remains that a Private motor coy (name withheld) did made a documentary of their business by a journalist using the Private property of another Billionaire in Abeokuta (name withheld) as a background of their shot.
The intention of the journalist that directed that short documentary was not aimed at using the property for any illicit purpose or illegal purpose but the owner of the property upon sighting the video reported the case to the IGP and from Abuja, signals were sent down to Eleweran and from Eleweran, the DPO of Ibara was ordered to make arrest and charge the journalist and everyone found at the office of the Motor company.
When the Police got to the office of the Motor company, they arrested everyone and I was also at that office that same time. I was arrested too and some other customers.
We got to the Police Station and we got to know the reason for the arrest. We were told that the journalist made a short documentary that had the property of the billionaire shown conspicuously in it.
Immediately, I heard this, I know the company is in trouble because it is wrong for a journalist to report it film a private property at anytime. If he must use the property, he must take permission. I had to immediately wade in and put calls across through some contacts and the billionaire had to let go and undertaking was made that such would not repeat itself.
That act of filming with no permission is trespass on property. It is an offence punishable under the law.
Talking about FREEDOM OF SPEECH VIZ-A-VIZ PRESS FREEDOM. Do we really have Press Freedom in Nigeria because we have seen where NEWS CORRESPONDENTS are attacked and imprisoned?
If a Journalist is arrested. What can such person do ?
Yes, we have press freedom in Nigeria. However we can safely say that Nigeria has not been too lucky to have leaders that would allow the proper press freedom to operate as intended by the law.
However, the rights of speech is not absolute but limited. Reporters that spread fake news are deserving of imprisonment.
If a journalist is arrested, the first thing he should request for is to speak to his lawyer immediately. The lawyer would take other steps up.
Please no journalist should argue arrest with a man that is holding gun. Dead men tell no tales and accidental discharge is a good defense in law.
Just submit yourself for arrest.
What does the law says about PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism is a copyright infringement. This occurs when any person uses any of your work – no matter how small it is – for any of his/her personal benefits irrespective of whether or not he gives you the attribution, unless that person has a written permission from you. Content could be in many forms such as text, artwork, sound and video (including animations), ideas, inventions or symbols.
Once your work is published – irrespective of whether on paper or digital media – you own the sole rights to: use the work; allow reuse; allow derivatives and allow others make profit from your work.
If you are the copyright holder, it means that ONLY YOU are allowed to make copies of the work and should you wish – others and only the ones to whom you give written permission can use the work.
At this point it is important to note that the saying “because it’s posted on the internet, then it’s free” is totally misleading and untrue.
Nigeria’s Copyright Act (Section 20), if a person is convicted by the Federal High Court for the sale, possession or distribution of copyrighted material for purposes of trade or business, he or she is liable to a fine of ₦100 for every copy of the infringing work and/or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding …
Is there any rule guiding Court reporting?
Theres is no specific rule that guide court reporting except for the fact that the court must consent to the reporting of its proceedings. Reporting court proceedings without the permission of the court, it is tantamount to contempt of court.
We can easily say that the guides are Judge made under the guise of exercising their discretion in a judicial and judicious manner.
In Nigeria, Journalists are occasionally confronted with such issues as Contempt of Court. In 2012, for instance, a magistrate court judge ordered the police to arrest and detain seven judiciary correspondents in Lagos, south west Nigeria.
The judge accused the journalists of allegedly disturbing court sessions with their cameras and phones, as they were said to be busy clicking for exclusive pictures, which eventually angered the judge, who handed down the order.
Based on the directive, which was interpreted as contempt of court, the journalists were moved from the court premises at Ikeja GRA to Area F police command for eventual detention.
Do Reporters have the right to Access a crime scene?
Reproters have the right to access a crime scene and make report thereof.
It forms part of the processes in performing their duties. There is no law that prohibits them from doing that. It is an exclusive right.
Is it important for Media organizations to have legal advisers?
It is a must for any reasonable media organisation to have a legal Adviser. The legal adviser would put them through laws guiding media operations and consequences of some professional acts. It is necessary.
What are the differences between these words; Journalist, Blogger and News Correspondent?
Journalist is someone that is well trained in news reporting and media activities. He holds a certificate evidencing that he is well skilled in the art of journalistic professionalism. Bloggers are referred to as casual or online content producer. He operates through blogs. While News correspondent is a journalist that reports events to a Media outfit for processing and onward transmission to the public.
Concerning Copyright infringement, Can I sue anyone who uses my work without my permission, when I have not registered my company with the CAC or any of the bodies under Copyright?
The law does not operate on illegality.
You cannot have your cake and eat it.
If a friend uses your idea which you have not copyrighted or which you dont even have a registered company which you operate under, the person has not committed any crime.
If you report, you must show how the idea became yours.
The law does not allow a party to benefit from their wrong or mischief.
You must register your media house under CAC. Get accreditation from NBC and always ensure you copyright your ideas and ensure you allow people to sign a NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT with you before sharing your ideas.
What is the legal action to be taken if someone’s picture is used for an advertisement on a bill board without seeking consent?
Good, Sometimes in June last year, I handled a case like this for a client. What happened was that the client was at OOPL for a visit and he was at the bar with a friend. At that bar, the International Brewery staffs were doing a promo show promoting Trophy Lager Beer.
They took random pictures and used it on their twitter timeline. A friend of my client called his attention of his picture wherein bottles of trophy were at his front and used it on their social media page.
He called me up and explained. I wrote Internation brewery at their office at ikoyi and they responded by asking the advertisement agency to clear the mess because the know that it was wrong for pictures of people to be used without their permission.
The media agency on the long run after series of writings ended up paying damages worth millions. Anyone that use your picture without your knowledge must pay. If you are in this condition, do let me know. We can make millions. Let’s do business please (smiles)
Does a journalist have to necessarily hold a certificate in Journalism?
For example someone that studied Animal Science in the University with interest in Journalism. Does such person needs certificate to practice?
Yes, you need certification for the practice of journalism. It is important that you must acquire the skills needed to practice it effectively.
Journalism is for Professionals. You should remember that we have a body called NUJ in Nigeria. You must belong to that body before you can call yourself a Journalist.
What should be the disposition of Journalists to anti – hate speech advocacy in line with relevant Nigerian laws?
Very well, Journalists must oppose hate speech advocacy frowning around because it would hinder their professionalism and incapacitate them especially when opinions of journalists are been misinterpreted just to soothe the law.
However, some of our laws have protected journalist from intimidation and unjust use of the law.
What can you say about this. There’s freedom of speech, how about freedom after speech?
There is freedom after speech if what you have said is the truth and authentic.
The defenses to your story that affects someone through your writings are as follows:
Apart from the above defences that are more popular and easily enforced, another defence appears to be emerging. It is referred to as the defence of innocence.
The defence of innocence generally avail newspaper vendors, booksellers and libraries whose main thrust of business is disseminating information materials. If therefore in the course of their business, they got involved in disseminating libelous defamatory matters, they can raise the defence of innocence. Claiming among other things that:
i. They are ignorant of the libelous matter at the time of their business.
ii. They are not ordinarily negligent in not discovering the alleged libelous matters in the normal cause of dissemination.
The burden of proof therefore is on the person complaining to lay evidence in order to prove his ignorance to the libel and lack of negligence in not discovering the libel.
Finally, what can you say about defamation?
Defamation is a transmission of words to a third party, either orally or written, of information which tends to damage the reputation of another person. It is the . It is the publication of a statement, which exposes a person to hatred, ridicule, contempt and/or causes him to be shunned or avoided by right-thinking members of the society.
The phraseology right thinking members of the society involved above was equated in meaning to refer to reasonable and not unreasonable members of the society.
Defamation can be at once a civil as well as a criminal act. Criminal defamation is defined both in the criminal and penal codes. Section 373 of the criminal code defines defamation of the matter as matter likely to injure the reputation of any person in this profession or trade. Even a dead person can be defamed according to the law, provided that no prosecution for the publications of defamatory matter concerning a dead person shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation or of the State. Chapter 23, of the Penal Code deals with Defamation sections 391 and 392.
In section 392 of the Penal Code, “whoever defames another shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years or with fine or with both. Section 375 of Criminal Code provides that any person who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty and liable for imprisonment for one year, and any person who publishes any defamatory matters knowing it to be false is liable to imprisonment for two years.
I mistakenly transferred N400,000 to my Pastor and He refused to give me back – Nigerian Lady!!!!
Nigerian Lady (Name withheld) Narrates How she Mistakenly transferred N400,000 to her pastor instead of N40,000 for tithe and he refused to give her Back.
“This is not really a relationship issue.
“so my boyfriend made me start coming to his church sometimes around December 2019, I enjoyed it. Its a very popular church in Lagos.
“My boyfriend is a worker and his family goes there too. i have never missed a tithe payment. my boyfriend idolizes the pastor, treats him like a mini god, even the pastor can’t do any wrong.
“So sometimes last week, i wanted to pay my tithe of N40,000 and i mistakenly sent N400,000 to the church account.
“I called my boyfriend immediately and he said we will talk about it. when we saw later i told him and he said i should go to the church and talk to junior pastor. When i got to the church to see a junior pastor they started saying that it is God’s doing that 400k entered and i should leave the money with them that i will get blessings. I said i needed the money to my shop rent, buy some equipment.
“They gave me bad eye. i told my boyfriend, my boyfriend said i should be patient. He was already getting angry that i insulted the church.
“So i called my bank they said the church has to refund it that they can’t do it.The whole church workers has been avoiding me and giving me bad looks. Even my boyfriends mother and sister was not so nice to me when she see me. They make me feel like i stole or i am a thief. I am comfused. This is my money. i have bills to pay. business has been slow this year.I like my boyfriend.
“It is a two years relationship which may lead to marriage. I don’t have much money, i can’t give 400k i did not plan.The senior pastor is hard to see. I waited outside his office while other workers gave me eye daggers. when i saw him he said i should fill a form and it may take 2 weeks. 2 weeks? why 2 weeks? why is my own small 400k their issue.
“my boyfriend is behaving very funny and he doesn’t want to do anything. He hasn’t been calling me or sending me gist on whatsapp.
“Everyone keeps saying God has a plan for it. I am confused. My sister said i should get police, if i do that, my relationship is over and i can’t go back to this church again.
Buhari Government Is Most Wicked In Nigeria’s History — Bishop Oyedepo
The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has described the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), as the worst in the history of Nigeria.
Oyedepo said this on Sunday while delivering a sermon during the second service of the church at the Faith Tabernacle, Ota, Ogun State.
He said the hate speech bill being sponsored by Senator Sabi Abdullahi was the most ridiculous bill anyone could think of.
The cleric said while the government was seeking to criminalise hate speech, those who kill others at will were left to walk free. Oyedepo said,
“The government in this country is making a draconian law – hate speech. They said if you speak hatefully, you have committed murder.
Out of someone who says I will kill you and the one who kills, who has committed a crime? I don’t understand which kind of animal farm we live in.
I said stop stepping on my toes and you said that is hate speech but somebody kills and he is walking free on the streets. This is the most stupid and nonsensical ideal anybody can think of.
I said you are bad and you said that is a crime. Must I say you are good when you are bad? “In my view you are bad and you shouldn’t be a leader. I have the right to say so. As far as I am concerned, I am a true born and thoroughly-bred Nigerian, an intelligent one.
In my view this is the worst thing that has happened to Nigeria — this government. It is the worst and in fact it is like a curse.
“I have been here for some time and I led the first prayer and fasting for Nigeria in 1979. I am not a baby in the affairs of Nigeria.
This is the worst government, a government with no direction. Their days are numbered. I can tell you as a prophet that their days are numbered.”
Senator proposes bill to remove immunity on governors, VP, deputy governors
If a bill before the Senate sails through, the nation’s Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors will be liable for criminal prosecution if they are indicted for misappropriation of public funds while still in office.
The President Vice President, Governors and their deputy currently enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution but the bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, if passed, will alter the necessary sections of the constitution to make it possible for law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute the vice- president, governors or their deputies found guilty of funds’ misappropriation.
The bill is titled, ‘An Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to qualify criminal liability for certain public officers under Section 308.’
The proposed amendment seeks to alter Section 308 of the Principal Act by substituting subsection 2 with a new subsection, providing that any beneficiary of the immunity clause currently in the constitution would lose it if indicted by the court after a thorough investigation by the police and the anti-graft agencies. It reads partly: “To persons who hold the office of Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor.
“If it is determined either by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services through a collaborative investigation that the said person is indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for:
“(i) Financial misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government; or “(ii) Sponsoring of thugs to perpetrate violence that cause injury or death of political opponent, a member of his family, agent or personal representative.”
Nigeria Police Arrested Female Students With Bags Of Used Gold circle Containing Sperm
Nigeria police arrested four female students from Uyo city Polytechnic,Akwa Ibom, based on the intelligent report of their suspicion activities, the students whose names are Inemesit Edet, Glory Johnson, Magreat Pius and Iniobong Udo of department of Mass communication, was arrested in a hotel at Ikpa road with Nylon Bag containing used Gold circle with Sperm cell.
“After series of interrogation the gang leader confesses that the are all prostitutes who go out to sleep with men and after that the carry the goldcircle containing the sperm to sell to aboki people who buys them at very costly price. According to the girls the all confessed the have been into the business for 3 years now since the started school.”
However, according to her “Glory Edet one of the girls said each time she sleeps with you she will pull of the gold circle from you pretending to be caring and do as if she wants to and dispose it, she will then tie it and put in her bag, she said she seems the aboki people that buys it usually send it to their alhaji in Abuja and Lagos which the use in doing all kinds of Rituals.” She said
She added, that she lure men to s leep with her with con dom, the used Con dom containing S perm cell on it is sold to those Alhaji for their ritual making and she has been the business of selling used Con dom for about 3years. Unfortunately, Nemesis caught her up when her Neighbor hinted Nigeria Police about her Nefarious activities.
Both were all detained in the police custody and will soon be charged to face the wrath of the Law.
ILARO POLYTECHNIC SUSPENDS SUG PRESIDENT OVER CULT ACTIVITIES
The management of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State has suspended indefinitely the president of the school’s Students Union Government [SUG], Adegboye Olatunji, over cult-related offences.
TheNation reports that Olatunji and one Olarewaju Taiwo were nabbed in a bush in the state in full regalia of the dreaded Black Axe cult group on Sunday.
It was gathered that they were nabbed during an initiation ceremony.
The institution, in a statement signed by Deputy Registrar (Public Relations), Sola Abiala, said Olatunji’s suspension was in line with its zero-tolerance for cultism.
The statement read,
“This is consequent upon the foiling of the meeting of some cult groups from the neighboring community, by the security architecture and network of the Polytechnic, the Local Vigilante Group in conjunction with Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Security.
“The suspension of Mr. Adegboye is in line with the Act establishing the Polytechnic and the provision of the Students Handbook coupled with the Polytechnic’s zero tolerance to cultism, pending his appearance before the Students Disciplinary Committee to establish his culpability or otherwise.
“The Management, therefore, use this medium to re-emphasize its zero tolerance for cultism and other misdemeanors.”
The arrest of the duo was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer [PPRO] in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said this in a statement on Monday.
Oyeyemi said the suspects were caught in the bush in full regalia of the dreaded black axe cult group have been taken to custody.
He said,
“The duo were arrested following information received by police at Ilaro Division from members of the public that some group of people suspected to be cultists were sighted in a bush at Gbogidi area of Ilaro where they were trying to initiate new members into their dreaded group.
“On receiving the information, the DPO Ilaro Division, CSP Olayemi Jacob mobilized his patrol team and swiftly moved to the scene where the two suspects were arrested with the assistance of members of the public while others escaped through the bush.
“The two arrested cultists who are in full regalia of the dreaded black axe cult group have been taken to custody at Ilaro divisional headquarters where they are being currently interrogated.”
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Kenneth Ebrimson, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to anti-cultists section of the state Criminal Investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation.
I’m 24 years,I met him 2018 through a friend of mine and we started a relationship,he introduced me to his family and friends and we were good together,his family all loves me most especially his elder sister who already took me as her own Blood,I even do visit her from time to time and she can’t do without checking on me always..
it all started October 2018 when he was chatting and fell asleep not locking up his phone then I decided to check into his inbox,I saw one contacts saved with a guy’s name,I wanted to stroll down till my finger mistakenly opened the chat,he had actually saved a female’s name with a male name ,I read through all their conversations and it was the same method he usually chat me with that he do also use to chat with the lady,the lady even knows me that she referred to me in one of her messages.. “is your witch already sleeping?,and he said yes”..,my temperature became so hot that I woke him up from sleep immediately to explain himself,he never denied,he said he met her during a friend’s birthday and he slept with her once ,I told him to choose between her and myself,we were on it till day break and I left for my place,two days later he sent me a screenshot of his text to her and a voice message to proved he already broke up with her and we were good again..
Few months later(Early Thursday morning)his sister called me that she had be trying to reach his number to tell him that his mother will be coming around to see him but his number wasn’t going through, I’ve also been trying to reach him also but it was switched off,she said I should please take my own key to the house and wait for his mom so that she won’t stay outside the apartment,she said the woman is already on her way (he lives in an estate).
I took my bath put on something light ,took my own key and rushed down to his place,on getting there I was surprised that the door wasn’t locked ,I didn’t bother to knock the door, I just went straight to the room , opened the door and I found this guy fucking another woman without condom early in the morning,he was surprised to see me ,his preeq went down instantly ,I was really shocked,my blood became so cold that for 3 minutes there was no word coming from my opened mouth,the lady managed to use the bedsheet to cover herself up and the guy has wore himself a boxer,I later found a statement “did you intentionally switched off your phone cause of one night stand bitch while your mom is on the way coming?” he replied me with a dumb answer that didn’t they teach me at home to knock before entering into another person’s house? this statement arouse my anger and i called him a bastard ,then he landed a heavy slap on my face which I retaliated immediately,then the real match began as he brought out a bent and beat the hell out of me, stripped me naked and pushed me out of the house while the girl was sitting on the bed watching free Cinema,i was really ashamed of myself that I should have turned back and go to my house and spare myself that disgrace,I don’t know what to do or where to go with my naked body (only bra and pant remained) then he opened the door and started throwing out all my belongings in the house at me,I was happy that at least I will have something to put on,I wept and I left the place with everything.
His family doesn’t stop calling and begging ,he later came to my place in the evening with his friends and apologized,I forgave him ,after few days he messaged me that I should give him space cause he was ashamed of how he treated me,he said he can’t withstand seeing my face anymore,and I granted his request, we broke up April last year ,though carried his sister along all through and it doesn’t affect the relationship between his family , friends and I.
Now he has been coming around begging, telling lot of people to beg me that he will commit sucide if I don’t come back , that he has realized his mistakes,I’m really confused cause I don’t know what could have ran over him.. please help..
Peak News 
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