Politics

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike has restated a sweeping ban on smartphones and other smart devices for certain civil servants, stipulating that only basic “torch-light” phones will be permitted during office hours. Sahara Reporters 📄 What the Directive Says The restriction — detailed in a circular bearing reference number FCT/DLA/259/III, dated November 28, 2025 — applies to all staff on Grade Level 14 and below within the FCTA’s Department of Land Administration (DLA) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS). Sahara Reporters Under the new rule: 📌 Background & Implementation This move reiterates an earlier directive from mid-November 2025, when Wike ordered that affected category staff should not bring mobile phones into office premises. Dockaysworld+1 The renewed circular signals a full enforcement push across DLA and AGIS offices. The reasoning behind the ban has not been publicly clarified in detail. Some sources suggest that the policy was prompted by concerns about leaks of sensitive land-administration documents and “unauthorised sharing” of internal communications — though no official statement has been issued to confirm this. Dockaysworld+1 ⚠️ What This Means for Staff Affected employees will no longer be able to carry or use smartphones — or other smart devices — during working hours. They’ll have to rely on basic phones if they must communicate during the workday, and retrieve their gadgets only during breaks. The circular warns that violations may attract disciplinary action. Sahara Reporters Management staff are reportedly instructed to enforce the ban strictly, and to ensure subordinates comply with the new regulation. Sahara Reporters 💡 Wider Context — What’s Behind the Move? The ban isn’t happening in isolation. In recent months, under Wike’s watch, the FCT government has initiated other reforms — including public-works projects, infrastructural upgrades, and security-related measures. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2The Nation Newspaper+2 Some insiders argue the mobile-phone ban aims to curb internal leakages of sensitive land-management data or unauthorised disclosures, especially in agencies handling property registration, mapping, and land allocation. Others see it as a push for stricter discipline and accountability within lower-grade civil-service ranks.

Senate Approves Move to Impose Mandatory Death Penalty for Kidnapping The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday resolved to amend the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act to prescribe the death penalty — without the option of a fine or judicial discretion — for all kidnapping offences. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary after a majority of lawmakers backed the proposal through a voice vote. The resolution followed an additional motion by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who raised concerns over the escalating rate of abductions nationwide. Senator Ningi urged the Senate to mandate its Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to draft the amendment to reclassify kidnapping as an act of terrorism, automatically attracting capital punishment regardless of circumstance, region, or outcome. The motion was seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who insisted that judges should have no discretion when passing judgement for such offences. “The offence of kidnapping should carry the death penalty with no judicial discretion. Parliament must make this law clear,” Oshiomhole stated. The former Edo State governor also called on state governors to be willing to sign execution warrants, noting that many shy away from authorising death sentences despite legal backing. “Governors must have the courage to sign death warrants. I did as governor — others refused,” he said. Senate President Akpabio endorsed the proposal, declaring that the Senate had taken a firm position in favour of the maximum punishment. “Once kidnapping is proven in court, a death sentence must follow. No judge should have the power to lessen it. Kidnapping should be classified as terrorism, and the punishment must be death — without discretion,” he said. After the motion was put to vote, it was adopted by majority approval. Akpabio subsequently directed the Senate Leader to prepare the amendment immediately, stressing urgency in addressing the growing insecurity challenge. Under the current Anti-Terrorism Act, kidnapping that results in the death of a victim already attracts the death penalty, while cases without fatalities draw varying penalties, including life imprisonment. The law also criminalises ransom payment, imposing a minimum sentence of 15 years on those who pay kidnappers. Kidnapping has continued to surge across Nigeria, with criminal groups benefiting heavily from ransom payments. During the earlier debate, Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) described ransom funds as a major revenue source for terrorists, enabling them to acquire weapons and sustain operations.