By Our Reporter

Disturbed by the increasing reports on insecurity in parts of the county,  Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, has appealed to media professionals to refrain from granting undue publicity to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the country.

The Minister who was speaking  at the seventh edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held on Wednesday at the National Press Centre, Abuja, the Minister underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and supporting national security efforts.

“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices,” the Minister stated. “We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives.”

The Minister emphasized that terrorist and criminal groups often manipulate media coverage and social media platforms to spread fear, propagate disinformation, and recruit followers. In this context, he urged journalists and editors to adopt a responsible and patriotic approach to reportage by avoiding sensational headlines and refusing to serve as inadvertent amplifiers of terror propaganda.

“These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such,” he said.

Highlighting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its pillar on “Strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity,” the Minister noted that the Federal Government is actively investing in military capacity through the acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced intelligence, and strategic partnerships.

Idris said the Ministerial Press Briefing Series, a brain child of his ministry, it’s a forum that presents a vital opportunity for ministers to update Nigerians on the key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and policy directions of their ministries. “Through this interactive platform, which is being broadcast live on national television stations and streamed across social media platforms, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement,” he stated.

He therefore commended the media for their continued support of the Ministerial Briefing Series and their broader role in promoting public awareness of government initiatives.

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas, briefed the media on the successes being recorded in their respective ministries.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi,Abuja

The family of the detained Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu has kicked against an alleged deliberate representation of court proceedings by a section of the media in the terrorism charges against him.

The family warned those involved in the alleged misrepresentation of proceedings in the on-going criminal trial to desist from misleading and mis-informing the general public in the interest of justice.

In a statement released in Abuja, the family cited a publication titled “Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Inciting Public to Attack Police, Witness Tells Court” as a blatant lie and falsehood to give Kanu a bad name and damage his reputation.

The statement was signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the immediate younger brother of the detainee.

To avoid deliberate falsehood against Kanu and misrepresentation of facts, the family pleaded with the authority of the Federal High Court to permit live streaming of the proceedings.

It read in part, “The Kanu family strongly condemns the shameful and deliberate misrepresentation of the court proceedings in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as reported by certain media outlets.

“The article titled “Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Inciting Public to Attack Police, Witness Tells Court” is a blatant distortion of the truth, designed to mislead the public and tarnish the global reputation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“This disgraceful journalism reflects a disturbing trend of anti-Biafra and Igbo-hating sentiments that prioritize sensationalism over factual reporting.

“The resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by the honorable Justice James Omotosho, exposed the prosecution’s weak and embarrassing case.

“The cross-examination of the prosecution’s witness, PW-AAA from the Department of State Services (DSS), revealed a shocking lack of awareness regarding the charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The witness repeatedly admitted ignorance of critical details, including: The filing of a 15-count charge against the defendant and the striking out of several charges by a trial judge.

“The specific allegations of inciting the public to destroy public properties or furthering terrorism by directing attacks on government properties in Lagos.

“Most notably, when questioned about a charge alleging incitement to destroy government properties, the witness confirmed awareness of the allegation but was unaware that the court had struck it out.

“This testimony directly contradicts the false narrative peddled by Vanguard and other media outlets claiming that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu “admitted” to inciting the public.

“The witness’s response of “I’m not aware” cannot, by any stretch of logic or ethics, be twisted into an admission of guilt by the defendant.

“The Kanu family is appalled by the prosecution’s reliance on unsubstantiated allegations and their failure to produce any credible evidence in court.

“Witness PW2-BBB, who Mazi Nnamdi Kanu described as a “mercenary hired to testify against him,” is not an SSS officer based at the national headquarters in Abuja and is unknown to the defendant.

“The prosecution’s attempt to present baseless claims through this witness, without tendering any evidence, is a mockery of justice.

“Equally troubling is the media’s role in amplifying falsehoods while ignoring the substance of the case.

“Instead of focusing on the prosecution’s deceit and the court’s exasperation with their antics, certain media houses have chosen to sensationalize trivial matters, such as the exclusion of Princess Favour Kanu, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law, from the courtroom for streaming the proceedings.

“This minor infraction pales in comparison to the travesty of justice unfolding in this case, yet it has been weaponized to distract from the prosecution’s failures.

“The deliberate misinformation emanating from this trial underscores the urgent need for transparency. The Kanu family humbly calls on Justice James Omotosho to allow live streaming of the proceedings.

“This case, which carries global interest and significance, demands real-time access to counter the propaganda and falsehoods peddled by government-controlled media.

“The gagging of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s family and legal team from conducting live interviews after court sessions only serves to embolden the prosecution’s deceitful tactics.

“The Nigerian government’s conduct in this case is an embarrassment to the judiciary and a betrayal of the principles of natural justice.

“Justice Omotosho has demonstrated commendable impartiality, yet the prosecution’s desperation to distort facts and manipulate public perception threatens the integrity of the trial.

“The media’s complicity in spreading lies, such as the baseless claim that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu admitted to inciting violence, is indicative of the pressure exerted on journalists to serve as mouthpieces for the government’s agenda.

“The Kanu family will not stand idly by while Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s reputation is unjustly maligned.

“We demand that media outlets retract their false reports and focus on the substance of the case: a prosecution built on lies, unsubstantiated allegations, and procedural violations.

“We call on the public, both in Nigeria and globally, to reject the government’s propaganda and demand accountability.

“This case is not a legal proceeding but a circus orchestrated to silence a man who has fearlessly advocated for the rights of his people.

“We urge all lovers of justice 8to join us in condemning this travesty and to support our call for live streaming to ensure the truth is no longer distorted”, the statement said.

By David Owei,Baylesa

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025, the International Press Centre (IPC), in partnership widomth the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), will host a one-day Media Stakeholders’ Roundtable themed: “Artificial Intelligence, The Media & Press Freedom: Issues & Perspectives.”

Supported by IFEX—a global network of over 100 organisations committed to advancing freedom of expression—the roundtable aligns with UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025 theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” It will bring together journalists, media professionals, academics, civil society actors, and policy influencers to critically examine the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for press freedom.

The event, set for Wednesday, May 7, will open with a goodwill remark by Professor Rotimi Olatunji, President of ACSPN and Professor of Public Relations and Advertising at Lagos State University (LASU), followed by an Opening Statement from Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism who will preside over the event.

The Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global information landscape, the forum will serve as a platform to assess the opportunities and risks AI poses to media independence, explore the evolving role of the media in an AI-driven world, and develop practical strategies to safeguard journalist safety while defending fundamental freedoms.”

Key highlights will include the presentation of the IPC State of Press Freedom Report, offering timely insights into the major challenges facing media freedom in Nigeria.

In another session Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, Managing Editor of Quick News, will lead a discussion on AI, the media, and press freedom.

Dr. Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle of LASU, will examine the critical issue of journalist safety in an AI-driven media environment.

The concluding session will capture stakeholder input and produce actionable recommendations to guide advocacy, policy, and media capacity-building, promoting a rights-based approach to AI and journalism.

The outcomes will be widely shared across media, academia, civil society, and government.