Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, has rebutted reports claiming his suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming that he remains a party member and warning of legal recourse over what his media office described as “libellous” publications.

In an official statement titled “Rejoinder: Oguninsight and News Across Online News Platforms: Libellous Publications Against His Excellency, The Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,” the senator’s media office condemned an article published by Oguninsight and reprinted by national outlets including Vanguard and PM News. The article, titled “Why APC Suspended Senator Gbenga Daniel,” is said to have damaged his long-standing reputation.

“These publications [are] ‘offensive, malicious and libellous,’ capable of hurting or injuring the hard-earned reputation” of the senator, the statement read, noting his years of distinguished service in politics, business, and public life.

The media office demanded a retraction and an apology within seven days in national newspapers and the removal of the articles from social and online platforms. It warned that failure to comply would trigger “all necessary legal actions,” with lawyers already briefed to proceed.

The statement reaffirmed that Senator Daniel remains a duly elected APC member, contradicting the suspended claims.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called for stricter regulations on social media usage in Nigeria.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, Olayinka proposed that Nigerians should be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) alongside a valid government-issued identity card before opening or operating any social media account.

According to him, acceptable forms of identification should include an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s licence.

“NIN, Valid Identity Card (International Passport, Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence). These two should be made compulsory to open and operate social media accounts,” Olayinka wrote. “This proposal seeks to reduce misinformation and increase online accountability.”

Nigeria’s NIN is already linked to banking and telecommunications services, and Olayinka said extending the requirement to social media platforms would help curb anonymity and check the spread of false information.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed the arrest of its dismissed staff, Olakunle Alex Folarin, after he was seen appearing on a matchmaking programme hosted by entertainer Lege Miami on social media platforms.

In a statement released Monday via its official X handle, the anti-graft agency said Folarin was dismissed from service after being found guilty of certificate forgery during his time as a driver at the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate.

According to the commission, Folarin unlawfully retained some EFCC property, including an official identity card, which should have been returned following his dismissal.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, ordered Folarin’s immediate arrest, stressing that his conduct should not be linked to the commission.

“The public is advised against associating Folarin’s post-dismissal activities with the EFCC,” the statement read.

The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on forgery and misconduct, while assuring the public that disciplinary measures remain consistent across all ranks.