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YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump after the video-streaming platform suspended his account in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

The settlement, reached with YouTube’s parent company Alphabet, follows similar deals Trump secured with Meta and X (formerly Twitter).

Trump had accused the platforms of political bias, alleging they unfairly censored conservative voices.

At the time of his suspension, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter argued that Trump’s posts risked inciting further violence as Washington reeled from the storming of the Capitol.

Under the settlement terms, $22 million will be directed to the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit raising funds to build a new White House ballroom. Another $2.5 million will go to co-plaintiffs in Trump’s case, including the American Conservative Union.

Earlier this year, Meta agreed to pay $25 million, with $22 million allocated for Trump’s planned presidential library. In February, X settled for $10 million, weeks after its purchase by Trump ally Elon Musk.

All of Trump’s accounts have since been reinstated across major platforms, marking a notable shift from the mass de-platforming that followed the Capitol attack. The settlements highlight Silicon Valley’s broader softening stance toward Trump and the Republican Party.

The tech sector has also begun easing content moderation rules, responding to long-standing Republican criticism of alleged free speech violations.

Just last week, YouTube announced plans to restore several previously banned accounts, including creators who had repeatedly shared false claims about Covid-19 and the 2020 presidential election.

In a letter to a Republican-led congressional committee, YouTube wrote, ‘YouTube values conservative voices on its platform and recognises that these creators have extensive reach and play an important role in civic discourse.’

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, struck out two separate suits filed by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to seek court protection against the plan by EFCC to probe him.

Justice Mohammed Umar struck out the two cases following a notice of discontinuance of the suits sighted in the court record and after no lawyer appeared for parties at the resumed hearing.

The former Senate president had filed the suits following the EFCC’s decision in 2019 to probe his earnings between 2003 and 2011 when he was governor of Kwara.

The anti-graft commission was reported to have seized some of his houses in the Ikoyi area of Lagos then.

However, Saraki, on May 10, 2019, filed the two separate suits, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/507/2019 and FHC/ABJ/CS/508/2019, before retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo to challenge the action of the EFCC.

The ex-Senate president named the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and State Security Service (SSS) are 1st to 3rd defendants.

Others are EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) as 4th to 6th respondents respectively.

Justice Taiwo, who was the presiding judge then, had ruled on an ex-parte application filed along with the substantive suits.

The judge ordered the EFCC and the other five respondents to the suits to stay action on their investigations.

He directed the parties to maintain the status quo by suspending the probe, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the applicant.

The order was granted after Saraki’s lawyer moved the application on May 14, 2019.

But the EFCC later applied that the judge should recuse himself and the matter be transferred to another court.

Justice Taiwo sent back the case file to the chief judge and the matter was reassigned to Justice Anwuli Chikere (rtd.) for adjudication.

When the matter came up on July 14, 2021 before Justice Chikere, EFCC Counsel, Chile Okoronkwo, complained that Taiwo’s order had hindered the agency ‘from performing its duty for about two years.’

The lawyer, who stated that Saraki continued to hinge on the order of the court any time he was invited, urged the court to vacate the order.

But the suits were reassigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo following the retirement of Chikere.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Ekwo had, on Jan. 25, 2023, struck out the two suits for lack of diligent prosecution.

After the suits were struck out, the ex-Senate president, through his lawyer, approached the court for a relisting of the cases to the cause list of the court.

And on Oct. 28, 2024, Justice Ekwo granted Saraki’s prayer to amend the suits against the respondents.

The judge granted the application after it was moved by Saraki’s counsel, Tunde Afe-Babalola, SAN, and was not opposed by the defence lawyers.

The cases were recently reassigned to Justice Umar.

Colleagues of late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have broken their silence, accusing a hospital of negligence that cost the 29-year-old her life after she narrowly escaped a robbery attack.

During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Dr Reuben Abati recounted how Maduagwu’s life could have been saved but was instead cut short by a system they described as ‘callous and unethical.’

Okpe, narrating the tragic sequence, said the journalist had jumped from her Abuja apartment when she realised 14 armed robbers had stormed the building. Though badly injured from the fall, she survived and was rushed to the Maitama District General Hospital.

‘She did not die on the spot,’ Okpe stressed. ‘She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.’

Reports said Maduagwu and an aged security guard, who was also injured, were both turned away because hospital staff allegedly demanded identification before treatment. They later died.

Abati condemned the hospital’s actions, calling it a betrayal of medical ethics and a violation of the law.

‘Anybody who is a victim of an accident should be treated immediately,’ he said. ‘But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to save lives. Lives could have been saved.’

The anchors described the incident as a national disgrace, adding that it reflects the risks journalists face in Nigeria.

‘This job that we do is very dangerous,’ Abati said. ‘It is unfortunate that a young woman has fallen.’

Maduagwu’s final post on X from August – ‘I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about’ – has since resurfaced online, sparking an outpour of grief and anger.

The FCT Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the robbery and circumstances of her death.

Maduagwu, a lawyer and former beauty queen, joined ARISE in 2024 and was celebrated for her advocacy for out-of-school children and her fight against gender-based violence.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has assured that Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a news anchor at Arise News Tv and bring those responsible to justice.

Wike said this in reaction to death of Maduagwu in her home in Katampe area of Abuja early Monday morning, in the statement signed by Mr Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Minister commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

The minister prayed for the repose of her soul and assured that the Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said her death was not only a loss to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media and entire nation.

‘I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in her prime. It is sad.

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their investigation while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.’

Wike called for continuous prayers and support of the Almighty God for members of staff and management of the Arise News, especially the Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’

Wike’s colleague, the Minister of Information and National Orientation ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, had in an earlier statement also described the death of Maduagwu as regrettable.

The Minister said this in a letter of condolence signed by Idris to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena and issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, her death is a grievous loss not only to her immediate family and the Arise News team, but to the Nigerian media fraternity and indeed, the nation.

‘I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

‘By every account, she was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

‘I am saddened by the heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime.

‘Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,’ Idris said.

He gave assurances for a swift investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the late news anchor.

The minister also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Nigeria Police Force said it has launched an investigation into the death of the journalist.

The Lagos State Government has filed contempt proceedings against the National Assembly, accusing lawmakers of defying a Supreme Court judgment on the regulation of lotteries and gaming in Nigeria.

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing marking his second year in office.

Pedro recalled that in a landmark decision, the Supreme Court had ruled that lotteries and games of chance fall within the residual legislative powers of states, not the Federal Government.

The judgment, he said, affirmed the constitutional authority of Lagos and other states to regulate and generate revenue from gaming activities, thereby strengthening fiscal federalism.

Despite this clear pronouncement, Pedro noted that members of the House of Representatives recently passed a Central Gaming Bill, which seeks to bring lotteries and gaming under federal control.

He said the move was not only unconstitutional but also in direct violation of the apex court’s declaratory and injunctive orders.

‘The National Assembly, being bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court like every other person and authority in Nigeria, cannot enact a law on a subject already determined as outside its legislative competence,’ Pedro stated.

‘For this reason, Lagos State has approached the courts to initiate contempt proceedings against the National Assembly,’ he added.

The Attorney-General described the development as an affront to the rule of law, warning that allowing such acts to stand would undermine constitutional governance and judicial authority.

Beyond the gaming dispute, Pedro highlighted achievements of the Ministry of Justice over the past two years, including improved legal advisory services to government ministries and the successful prosecution of high-profile cases such as the conviction of Andrew Nice for the rape and murder of BRT passenger Oluwabamise Ayanwola.

He stressed that Lagos remains committed to upholding justice, protecting state revenues, and defending the constitutional principle of true federalism.

A factional chairman of Labour Party in Edo State, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, has described the party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, as a dictator who is not fit to be entrusted with power.

Ativie who leads the faction loyal to LP’s national chairman, Julius Abure, said this while addressing journalists in Benin.

She described Obi as lacking in competence, character and capacity to actualise the vision of a new Nigeria, adding that it would be dangerous to entrust Nigeria into his care.

‘The wind has blown and Nigerians have seen the true dictatorial nature of a would-have-been President of Nigeria. Peter Obi since then has been jumping from from one alliance to another and it is becoming clearer that he has shot himself politically on his feet’

‘We want to state clearly that the problem in Labour Party was created by Obi. It was him and Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State that convened the ill-fated and illegal expanded stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, on September 4, 2024 for the sole purpose of removing a legally constituted National Working Committee of the party through underhand means.

Continuing, Ativie said: ‘We want to advise Peter Obi to always inform and educate his followers properly to avoid pushing them into unnecessary problems.

‘A leader who cannot advice or guide his followers properly, can hardly be a good leader. It is even more dangerous to entrust the whole Nigeria into such one’s care.’

The Edo LP chair further alleged that after achieving over 6 million votes in the 2023 election with the huge electoral capital working for him, instead of Obi to concentrate on how to win more sympathy, structures and followers, he resorted to fighting leaders of the party

She added that after the party lost the presidential election, Obi should have called an enlarge meeting of his members, encourage them and strategize to build the party but he is started moving from one alliance to another.

She alleged that the problem that emanated from the party primary in Edo, Anambra, Plateau, Borno states, amongst others, Obi could not solve anyone before the governorship election.

‘For instance, the party leader met in Abuja including Obi and resolved that the party will choose its governorship candidate in Edo election would come from Central as other parties and should between Kenneth Imasuagbon and Sergus Ogu, but unfortunately Obi came to Edo and raised the hands of Bar. Olumede Akpata from South to our surprise.’

According to her, party politics is about leadership and that leader should be able to hold a meeting and solve issues arising from primary by bringing member together to chat the way forward.

Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma, has opened up on his relationship with fellow colleague, Bright Okpocha, also known as Basketmouth.

While speaking in an interview, Bovi explained that there is no ongoing feud or rift between them, stating that hey both just drifted apart.

Bovi further explained that there was a shift in his focus, which led him to invest in other interests and his family.

‘I’m cool with Basketmouth, nothing happened. I’ve answered this question before. You get what I’m saying. Interests changed, especially for me. You know, I wanted to focus more, spend more time with my family. I wanted to also elevate myself. I easily get bored with things. So when I’m doing something for too long, I try to do something else,’ he stated.

Bovi also explained the need for independence. He revealed that he wanted to be able to grow professionally and financially as an independent creator.

‘So as you know, I started to do films. I went back to TV, and then I wanted to build my own brand in the sense that I needed people. I needed the world to know that I can stand with the mic endlessly by myself and talk. You know, also, there’s the, I also started to think of stuff like when I blow the whistle and say, I’m having an Eko hotel, it fills up. So why should I go and share money? Why should we be many doing one show? And then I guess I can keep all the money myself,’ he added.

A 27-year-old carpenter identified as Toheeb Ahmed has been arrested for allegedly hacking his grandmother to death in Aiyegbami Street, Ore town, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State

The tragic incident which occurred on Tuesday threw residents of the community into panic.

An eyewitness and neighbour of the victim who preferred anonymity, said that what transpired between the suspect and the grandmother who has been living quietly in her residence, could not be ascertained.

‘The movement of suspect was suspicious and out of curiosity, I went to mama’s room while he was away and discovered she had been hacked to death.

‘When he returned, I noticed he was carrying a cutlass and was accompanied by a friend, probably to move the corpse, that was when I raised the alarm,’ the neighbour said.

Meanwhile, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who confirmed the incident to NAN said that the suspect has been arrested and in police custody.

He said that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice.

‘Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect is in our custody and investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surround the incident for justice to take it’s course,’ Ayanlade said.

Nollywood veteran Toyin Afolayan, popularly known as Lola Idije, has opened up about being a single parent and some difficulties that comes with it.

Lola in an interview, explained that societal support for single parents is scarce and this makes the experience a tough one.

The Yoruba actress also spoke about the struggles of single parents and single mothers. She highlighted responsibilities like paying fees and providing daily meals.

Lola who became a single mother after the death of her husband, revealed that single mothers are constantly judged by the society. She, however, urged single mothers to focus on the task at hand, and raise their children well.

Sen. Shuaib Salis has said President Bola Tinubu is set to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband across the country, stressing that the development would cover all states, local governments and wards.

Salis who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security said the 90,000-kilometer fibre optic network will soon be launched nationwide to boost digital penetration.

The Senator spoke on Monday in Abeokuta during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun council.

At the program themed, ‘The Future of Journalism: Navigating AI and Objective Reporting,’ the senator predicted a revolution in Nigeria’s digital communication landscape.

‘This government under President Bola Tinubu is going to deploy 90,000 kilometers fibre optic broadband across the country.

‘Not just in some states, not just in some local governments; there is no ward that will not have fibre optic presence.

‘A number of studies have confirmed that any 10 per cent increase in your fibre penetration in the country will lead to a minimum of two per cent increase in your Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

‘So, just imagine if you deploy more technology; and it is very easy to fathom. Just imagine we have fibre optic in all our wards.

‘I just came back from the UN General Assembly with Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani where we went to preach this to investors to come and invest in Nigeria,’ he said.

According to the lawmaker, a significant challenge for professional journalists is the potential for AI to exacerbate quackery in the industry.

He emphasised the need to integrate technology into the curriculum for mass communication and journalism training.

‘The challenge for professional journalists is that AI also has the potential of increasing the incidence of quackery in the profession.

‘So, what do we need to do? Our curriculum for mass communication and journalism training institute must embed technology into the curriculum.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, in his keynote address emphasised ethical dimension.

Onasanya noted that Nigeria lacks clear regulatory guidelines on disclosing AI-generated content, including images, audio, and video.

He urged the leadership of the union to publish a widely adopted code of practice to address AI.

In his speech, the Chairman of the council, Wale Olanrewaju noted that the council has recorded milestones progress and development in less than three years.

Olanrewaju stated that AI has changed the way news are gathered, processed and disseminated.

‘As a union, our responsibility is to prepare our members not just to adapt, but to lead in this new reality. We must ensure that technology enhances our credibility rather than diminish it,’ he said.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Prof . Dele Odunlami, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

The discussants included Mr Kunle Durosimi, President, Ogun Tech Community and Registrar, West Midlands Open University and Mr Lekan Adeeko, AI Enthusiast and Co-founder, Tedprime Hub.

They deliberated on the merits and demerits of using AI as journalists.

The speakers urged journalists to maintain professionalism when utilising AI in their work, highlighting its potential to foster national unity and cohesion.