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ARCON withdraws suit against Meta, says it is restrategising

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News making the rounds has it that the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has withdrawn its high-profile lawsuit against social media behemoth, Meta Platforms Incorporated.

This unexpected move followed the regulatory body’s filing of a notice of discontinuance before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The legal battle which began on September 23, 2022, with ARCON filing Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1701/2022 against Meta Platforms Incorporated and AT3 Resources Limited as party was initially presided over by Justice A.M. Mohammed before it was later transferred to Justice Peter Lifu in 2023 following Mohammed’s retirement.

The roots of this legal confrontation trace back to when the House of Representatives passed a resolution directing ARCON to implement measures controlling advertisements on social media platforms. According to sources, ARCON’s subsequent outreach to various platforms reportedly met with resistance from Meta, prompting the initial legal action.

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When our team reached out to Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of ARCON on the regulatory council’s decision, he remarked: “This withdrawal is not a retreat, but a tactical redeployment. Since October 13, 2022, when the writ was filed, we’ve observed continuous violations of the Nigerian advertising code by Meta and its subsidiaries.

The lack of progress in bringing the case to trial over the past two years has necessitated a reevaluation of our strategy. Management is doing this to ensure that all social media platforms are operating within the ambit of the law, ” he concluded.

Barrister Oloyede Lateef, a legal expert with bias in media and advertising law, explained the significance of ARCON’s move. “There’s a crucial tactical difference between a case being dismissed and one being struck out. A dismissed case is essentially dead and cannot be revived. However, a struck-out case, which is what we have here, can always be brought up again. This gives ARCON the flexibility to reintroduce the case in the future if necessary.” Lateef elucidated.

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While industry observers remain divided on the regulation of digital media in the country, a significant number of them view ARCON’s decision to file for discontinuance as a pragmatic step. “For a case that hasn’t gone to trial in two years, this was the logical move,” stated a senior advertising executive who wished to remain anonymous. “The issue of digital media regulation is a very dicey one, but one that is very important to sanitise that space.”

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Delta pupil dies in tragic school building collapse

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Delta pupil dies in school building collapse

A Primary 2 pupil in Delta State dies in a school building collapse, while three others are injured. The Governor expresses his condolences to the family.

 

Parents of Primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, mourn after a school building collapse at Eghereka Primary School, Delta State, leads to his untimely death.

Parents of a Primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, are grieving his untimely death following the collapse of a school building at Eghereka Primary School in Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

 

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Also read: Kano building collapse claims two lives, two rescued amid heavy rainfall

 

The tragic incident occurred when a block of six classrooms collapsed under heavy rain, killing Salvation and injuring three other pupils.

The collapsed building, which had no roof and was already dilapidated, had not been in use. Despite the condition of the structure, the disaster struck suddenly. Prompt efforts helped rescue the other affected pupils, but Salvation succumbed to his injuries.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed his condolences to the family through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon.

The Governor described the incident as highly unfortunate, extending his sympathies to the family, school management, and injured pupils.

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Governor Oborevwori also acknowledged the quick response of the Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Lucky Avweromre, who visited the site and provided support to the surviving victims.

He offered prayers for the grieving family and urged the community to stand together during this difficult time, hoping for God’s comfort to ease their sorrow.

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Crime

Amotekun foils five kidnappings, rescues nine in Ondo State

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Amotekun foils kidnappings in Ondo State

Amotekun foils five kidnapping attempts in Ondo State and rescues nine victims, as the security corps intensifies efforts to combat crime in forests.

 

Amotekun operatives thwarted five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in Ondo State, as confirmed by Commander Adetunji Adeleye.

Operatives of Amotekun, the security outfit in Ondo State, successfully prevented five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in the span of one week.

 

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Also read: School attacks: Amotekun heightens security in Osun boundary communities

 

This was disclosed by Adetunji Adeleye, the state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, during the parade of 20 suspected criminals arrested for various crimes, including cultism, housebreaking, and motorcycle theft.

Adeleye highlighted the commitment of Amotekun to maintaining security across the state, particularly by actively patrolling forested areas notorious for criminal activities.

He stated that the operatives had thoroughly combed these forest flashpoints, especially in the Elegbeka area, to safeguard residents and commuters.

One of the arrested suspects, Usman Abubakar, revealed details of a ransom collected during a kidnapping and the network of their criminal organisation.

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The Commander reassured the public that Amotekun Rangers would continue to prioritise safety in Ondo State, vowing to intensify operations against kidnappers and other criminals to protect lives and property.

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers, sentences them to 8 months imprisonment

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers

LAGESC convicted 12 commercial sex workers in Lagos, sentencing them to eight months in prison for prostitution and breach of peace offences.

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) secured the conviction of 12 commercial sex workers during a dislodgement operation at Obalende.

They were sentenced to eight months imprisonment for offences related to prostitution and breach of peace. LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), emphasised that the operation aligns with the Lagos State government’s THEMES agenda to ensure a habitable environment.

 

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Also read: Cleaner bags life jail for sexually assaulting baby in church

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, successfully convicted 12 commercial sex workers on Wednesday following a large-scale enforcement operation in Obalende.

The convicted individuals were sentenced to eight months in prison for charges related to prostitution and breach of peace, in accordance with Sections 142(1)(a)(b) and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

During the operation, led by LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), the offenders were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adefioye at the Special Offences Court in Oshodi.

Out of the 19 individuals charged, 12 were convicted and sentenced, while the remaining seven pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until December 18 for further hearings.

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Major Cole highlighted that the operation was necessary due to the deteriorating situation in Obalende, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda, which aims to keep Lagos habitable for business and free from criminal activities.

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He reiterated that LAGESC would continue its efforts to rid Lagos of unlawful elements, despite challenges and attacks on its officers.

Cole also issued warnings to street traders and hawkers to refrain from displaying goods in prohibited areas such as road verges, lay-bys, and pedestrian walkways, stressing that defaulters will face daily arrests and prosecution.

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