News
SERAP Urges FCCPC To Investigate Google, Meta, Others Over Harms To Privacy, Media
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) “to urgently investigate allegations that Google, Meta (Facebook), Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon, and YouTube are using opaque algorithms and market dominance to undermine Nigerian media, businesses, and citizens’ rights.”
SERAP urged the FCCPC “to take measures necessary to urgently prevent further unfair market practices, algorithmic influence, consumer harm and abuses of media freedom, freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information and ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and international standards.”
SERAP also urged the FCCPC “to convene a public hearing into the allegations of algorithmic discrimination, market dominance, data exploitation, and consumer harm involving Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube.”
In a complaint dated 28 February 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “Big technology companies operate with enormous influence over Nigeria’s digital economy and information ecosystem, yet they often escape accountability for the harms they cause.”
SERAP said, “Opaque algorithms, offshore revenue extraction, and hidden data practices allow these platforms to shape public discourse and market competition without transparency or meaningful oversight.”
The complaint addressed to the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, read in part: “Millions of Nigerians rely on these platforms for news, information, and business opportunities.
“Dominant digital platforms are acting as private gatekeepers of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem. Their opaque algorithms and market dominance are not just economic issues?—?they are human rights issues that threaten media plurality, consumer protection, and privacy, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The FCCPC ought to exercise its statutory mandate to ensure Nigerians’ rights to privacy, media freedom, fair competition, and democratic integrity. Should the FCCPC fail to act promptly, SERAP will consider all appropriate legal actions to compel regulatory intervention in the public interest.
“Investigations by the South African Competition Commission into Google revealed systematic bias against local media content, leading to remedies including algorithmic transparency, compliance monitoring, and monetary redress.
“The FCCPC should take similar action to protect Nigerian media, businesses, and citizens’ rights. SERAP is available to provide evidence, expert analysis, and recommendations to assist the Commission’s inquiry.
“The business models and algorithmic systems operated by Google, Meta (Facebook), Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon and YouTube are allegedly undermining the human rights of Nigerians and distorting Nigeria’s digital economy.
“Large-scale collection, retention, and monetisation of Nigerians’ personal and behavioural data?—?often under complex and unclear consent mechanisms are reportedly interfering with the right to privacy.
“In light of the potential impact on privacy rights, media freedom, business sustainability, and the integrity of Nigeria’s forthcoming elections, the FCCPC ought to treat this matter with urgency and to provide a clear timeline for investigative steps, including stakeholder consultations and public engagement.
“The allegations against the big tech companies if established would amount to grave violations of the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) particularly Sections 17(e) and 18 the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended and international human rights standards.
“The allegations would also constitute discriminatory treatment and abuse of market dominance contrary to Sections 17 and 18 of the FCCPA.
“The FCCPC has jurisdiction under Sections 17(b)(e) and 18 of the FCCPA to investigate, monitor, and enforce compliance against conduct that substantially prevents, restricts, or distorts competition in Nigeria.
“We note that the Federal High Court has upheld the FCCPC’s investigations into telecom pricing and competition conduct, thus stressing the Commission’s mandate under sections 17 and 18 of the FCCPA.
“SERAP is concerned that Nigerian media companies and Nigerian content creators continue to face algorithmic suppression, revenue diversion to foreign platforms, and limited discoverability, effectively resulting in abuses of freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom in Nigeria.
“Promptly initiating the investigations would ensure a fair, competitive digital media ecosystem as well as effective protection of consumers’ rights, freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom in Nigeria.
“These allegations seriously undermine the purposes of the FCCPCA, media diversity and plurality as well as the rights of Nigerians under the Nigerian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“Convening a public hearing would not only strengthen the evidentiary basis of the FCCPC’s inquiry but would also promote public trust, democratic accountability, and regulatory transparency in matters affecting millions of Nigerians.
“A public hearing would allow affected Nigerians to provide firsthand testimony, documentary evidence, data analytics, and expert opinions that would assist the FCCPC in determining whether the alleged practices substantially prevent or distort competition, harm consumers, or undermine constitutional rights.
“According to our information, the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), recently raised concerns about the control of the information ecosystem by these big tech companies, and how this has ‘fundamentally altered Nigeria’s information environment.
“The NPO also alleged that the activities of the tech companies have ‘created a structural imbalance of power that now threatens the sustainability of professional journalism?—?the backbone of informed citizenship and accountable governance.
“The NPO alleged that a) algorithms controlled outside Nigeria determine what Nigerians see, amplify, or ignore; b) Nigerian news content is monetised at scale without proportionate reinvestment in local journalism; and c) revenue that once sustained domestic newsrooms is increasingly extracted offshore.
“There are allegations that big tech companies have engaged in conduct that prioritizes foreign content over Nigerian media in search results and news feeds, limits discoverability of Nigerian websites, news platforms, and social media pages, and fails to provide transparency regarding ranking and recommendation algorithms.
“Big tech companies’ activities also allegedly continue to cause demonstrable harm to the commercial and reputational interests of Nigerian media companies, resulting in reduced advertising revenues for local media and restrict consumer choice.
“By controlling algorithms, advertising platforms, and distribution channels, these companies influence both market competition and consumer choice in Nigeria, warranting intervention by the FCCPC.
“The decline in revenues for Nigerian media organizations has seen newsrooms shrink, bureaus shut and a number of print titles close, creating news deserts and negatively impacting the ability of the news media to fulfil its societal and constitutional role.
“Media freedom is guaranteed under sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The media is thus fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy, serving as both a catalyst for civic engagement and a mechanism for holding power to account.
“Algorithmic opacity and data-driven micro-targeting would affect the fairness of Nigeria’s forthcoming elections by influencing voter exposure to information without adequate transparency safeguards.
“SERAP notes that the cumulative effect of these practices?—?including data concentration, opaque content moderation, discriminatory algorithmic ranking, and market dominance?—?would substantially prevent or distort competition, harm consumers, and weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
SERAP, therefore, urged the FCCPC to exercise its powers and authority by:
Initiating a full investigation into the Respondents’ alleged conduct outlined above;
Convening a public hearing to gather evidence from affected Nigerians, including journalists, media organisations, SMEs, content creators, civil society groups, and individual consumers;
Mandating transparency and equitable treatment of Nigerian content, including disclosure of ranking, recommendation, and advertising algorithms, with quarterly and biannual compliance reporting;
Ensuring remedial measures for harmed media organisations, including the establishment of a compensation fund;
Taking urgent steps to prevent ongoing consumer harm, market distortion, and violations of privacy and freedom of expression;
Summoning persons and requiring production of documents, and applying sanctions against the Respondents as necessary and where competition or consumer and rights protection violations are found.
Ensuring that the FCCPC retains authority to request additional data as necessary; and
Granting any additional relief(s) the Commission considers necessary to prevent unfair market practices and ensure compliance with Nigerian competition law.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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