Social media giant Meta, on Tuesday, ended fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, resorting to community notes similar to X (formerly Twitter), starting in the US.

This is part of its slashing content moderation policies, a major shift that conforms with the priorities of incoming president Donald Trump.

“We’re going to get rid of fact-checkers (that) have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they’ve created, especially in the US,” Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a post.

Instead, Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, “would use community notes similar to X (formerly Twitter), starting in the US,” he added.

Meta’s surprise announcement echoed long-standing complaints made by Trump’s Republican Party and X owner Elon Musk about fact-checking that many conservatives see as censorship.

They argue that fact-checking programs disproportionately target right-wing voices, which has led to proposed laws in states like Florida and Texas to limit content moderation.

Zuckerberg said that “recent elections feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech” over moderation.

The shift came as the 40-year-old tycoon has been making efforts to reconcile with Trump since his election in November, including donating one million dollars to his inauguration fund.

Trump has been a harsh critic of Meta and Zuckerberg for years, accusing the company of bias against him.

The Republican was kicked off Facebook following the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, though the company restored his account in early 2023.

Zuckerberg dined with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in November in a sign of strengthening ties.

Ending ‘Facebook jail’

In another recent gesture towards the Trump team, Meta last week named Joel Kaplan, a former Republican official, to head up public affairs at the company, taking over from Nick Clegg, a former British deputy prime minister.

“Too much harmless content gets censored, too many people find themselves wrongly locked up in ‘Facebook jail,'” Kaplan said in a statement, insisting that the company’s approach to content moderation had “gone too far.”

In his moves towards Republicans, Zuckerberg also named Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) head Dana White, a close ally of Trump, to the Meta board.

As part of the overhaul, Meta said it will relocate its trust and safety teams from liberal California to more conservative Texas.

“That will help us build trust to do this work in places where there is less concern about the bias of our teams,” Zuckerberg said.

Zuckerberg also took a shot at the European Union “that has an ever increasing number of laws institutionalizing censorship and making it difficult to build anything innovative there.”

This made reference to new laws in Europe that require Meta and other major platforms to maintain content moderation standards or risk hefty fines.

Zuckerberg said that Meta would “work with President Trump to push back against foreign governments going after American companies to censor more.”

Additionally, Meta announced it would reverse its 2021 policy of reducing political content across its platforms.

Instead, the company will adopt a more personalized approach, allowing users greater control over the amount of political content they see on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

AFP currently works in 26 languages with Facebook’s fact-checking program, in which Facebook pays to use fact-checks from around 80 organizations globally on its platform, WhatsApp and on Instagram.

In that program, content rated “false” is downgraded in news feeds so fewer people will see it and if someone tries to share that post, they are presented with an article explaining why it is misleading.

Community Notes

Community Notes on X (formerly Twitter) allows users to collaboratively add context to posts in a system that aims to distil reliable information through consensus rather than top-down moderation.

Meta’s move into fact-checking came in the wake of Trump’s shock election in 2016, which critics said was enabled by rampant disinformation on Facebook and interference by foreign actors like Russia on the platform.

Nigerian music star, Ololade Asake, has become the artist with the most certified songs and albums in Nigeria.

Known for his unique fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and other genres, Asake has solidified his position as a leading force in the Nigerian music industry.

Asake’s critically acclaimed album Mr. Money With The Vibe has reached 7x Platinum status, with over 350,000 units sold, showcasing its immense popularity.

Other hit tracks such as Lonely At The Top and Bandana have also achieved 7x Platinum and 5x Platinum certifications, respectively, each amassing hundreds of thousands of units sold.

The singer’s chart-topping singles, including Sungba, 2:30, Basquiat, and Joha, have earned multiple certifications ranging from 4x to 2x Platinum.

Additionally, tracks like Active, Fuji Vibe, and Olorun have secured Gold and Silver certifications.

Asake’s accomplishments extend beyond Nigeria, with certifications in the UK for Bandana (200,000 units sold), and both Mr. Money With The Vibe and Work of Art receiving Silver certifications for selling 60,000 units each.

The post reads;

LONELY AT THE TOP 7x Platinum (700K)

BANDANA 5x Platinum (500K)

TERMINATOR 5x Platinum (500K)

SUNGBA 4x Platinum (400K)

2:30 4x Platinum (400K)

MR MONEY WITH THE VIBE 7x Platinum (350K)

BASQUIAT 3x Platinum (300K)

JOHA 3x Platinum (300K)

PEACE BE UNTO YOU 3x Platinum (300K)

OMO OPE 3x Platinum (300K)

WORK OF ART 6x Platinum (300K)

DULL 2x Platinum (200K)

NZAZA 2x Platinum (200K)

REMEMBER 2x Platinum (200K)

ORGANISE 2x Platinum (300K)

PALAZZO 2x Platinum (200K)

AMAPIANO 2x Platinum (200K)

MMS Platinum (100K)

OTOTO Platinum (100K)

DUPE Platinum (100K)

MUSE Platinum (100K)

TRABAYE Platinum (100K)

REASON Platinum (100K)

LOADED Platinum (100K)

SUNSHINE Platinum (100K)

NEW RELIGION Platinum (100K)

ONLY ME Platinum (100K)

BUST DOWN Platinum (100K) HAPPINESS Platinum (100K)

YOGA Platinum (100K)

WAVE Platinum (100K)

STUBBORN Platinum (100K)

ACTIVE Gold (50K)

FUJI VIBE Gold (50K)

OLORUN Gold (50K)

MOGBE Gold (50K)

I BELIEVE Gold (50K)

WHAT’S UP MY G Gold (50K)

GREAT GUY Gold (50K)

AWODI Gold (50K)

UPTOWN DISCO Gold (50K)

MOOD Gold (50K)

WORLDWIDE Silver (25K)

UK CERTIFICATIONS

Bandana (200,000 units)

Mr Money With The Vibe Silver (60,000 units)

Work of Art Silver (60,000 units)

Former federal lawmaker Shina Peller has clarified that popular TikToker Peller is not a member of the famed Professor Peller family.

Speaking recently with Channels TV, Shina addressed the speculation, stating that while the Professor Peller dynasty is extensive, the TikToker does not belong to it.

He explained that the “Peller” name was adopted by his family due to his father’s career as a renowned magician.

“Truly, Professor Peller’s family is quite extended, but he is not a member of the family,” the 48-year-old stated.

He acknowledged the TikToker’s clever use of the name to build a successful brand but emphasised that there is no familial connection.

“So, Peller, the comedian is not a member of the Peller family. It’s a successful name. He’s just being smart. He’s being able to pop with the name. You can’t blame him but I can tell you categorically that he’s not a member of the Peller family,” he said.

Errol, father of Elon Musk, has revealed that the billionaire entrepreneur has expressed an interest in purchasing Premier League team Liverpool.

Musk, whose net worth is estimated at $418 billion, has recently emerged as a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Reports suggest that Musk donated approximately $270 million to the Republican Party before their election victory, aiding Trump’s return to the White House.

Since Trump’s November win, Musk and Trump have been seen together at various events, including celebrations at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, UFC fights, and college football games.

Now, it appears Musk’s attention may be turning toward English football.

Known as the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), the 53-year-old billionaire seems poised to expand his business empire further by acquiring one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.

When asked about Musk’s interest in Liverpool during an interview with Times Radio in London, his father, Errol Musk, was cautious.

“Has he expressed a desire to buy Liverpool Football Club?” a reporter asked.

“I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price,” Errol Musk replied with a laugh.

Pressed further, he admitted that his son has shown interest but refrained from confirming any formal negotiations.

“Oh, yes. But that doesn’t mean he’s buying it,” Errol added. “He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to—so would I!”

Family Ties to Liverpool

When questioned about Musk’s specific interest in Liverpool FC, Errol Musk pointed to the family’s generational ties to the Merseyside city.

“His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we had relatives in Liverpool. We were fortunate to know quite a lot of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know,” Errol revealed.

Musk has previously spoken fondly of his grandmother, Cora Amelia Robinson, who was born in Mossley Hill, Liverpool, in 1923.

She grew up in pre-war poverty, working hard to support her family before emigrating to South Africa in 1944.

Musk once described her as “an important part” of his childhood and credited her with instilling strong values.

“My Nana was one of the poor working-class girls with no one to protect her who might have been abducted in present-day Britain,” Musk shared on X.

“She was very strict, but also kind, and I could always count on her. She grew up very poor in England during the Great Depression only to be bombed in WW2. To earn money for food, she cleaned houses, leaving me with a lasting respect for those who do so.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

As the team looks to turn its fortunes around, here are seven key things you should know about the man tasked with steering Nigeria’s football giants back to glory.

What to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

1. Eric Chelle led Mali to quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023

Eric Chelle was Mali’s head coach during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals, marking a great milestone for the team.

However, their campaign ended in heartbreak when they were defeated by the host nation in extra time.

2. A memorable reaction to defeat

Chelle’s emotional response to Mali’s quarter-final loss was one of the most striking moments of the tournament.

After the match, he was seen squatting on the sideline, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to revive him with bottles of water, underscoring his deep passion and commitment to the team.

3. Experience in French football’s lower leagues

Before taking the reins of Mali’s national team in 2022, Chelle managed several clubs in the lower tiers of French football.

His coaching stints included GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, where he honed his skills despite limited resources and visibility.

4. A modest playing career

As a player, Chelle represented Mali’s senior national team five times. His club career saw him feature for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

While not a household name during his playing days, his experience across these clubs provided a solid foundation for his coaching journey.

5. Immediate responsibility for World Cup qualification

Chelle’s appointment comes with high stakes. He is charged with leading the Super Eagles to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria is currently in a precarious position, sitting fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.

6. A challenging first assignment

Chelle’s debut as Nigeria’s head coach will come in March when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.

These matches are crucial for reviving Nigeria’s chances of making it to the World Cup.

7. An opportunity to revive the Super Eagles

Chelle’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Super Eagles. Fans hope his international experience with Mali and his ability to work under pressure will translate into success for Nigeria.

With a passionate fan base and talented players, Chelle has the tools to make a huge impact if he can bring the team together.

Former Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has claimed that the cabals surrounding President Bola Tinubu are more dangerous than those in the government of his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari.

Dalung made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday.

Dalung, who was a minister during Buhari’s administration, said Buhari was a stranger in his government as members of the cabals took over the running of the administration.

The erstwhile Minister explained that the cabals in Buhari’s government were not too educated but those in Tinubu’s are sophisticated, ambitious, educated, with sound knowledge of power dynamics.

Dalung cited the capacity of members of the cabals around Tinubu to manipulate power, build barricades around the president, and stifle information and human traffic from the president.

In July 2024, Tinubu, who narrowly won a keenly contested election in February 2023, and was sworn in on May 29, 2023, said he was not answerable to any cabal or moneybag.

Meanwhile, Dalung, has said Tinubu meant the words he said to National Assembly members during the 2025 budget presentation.

Naija News reported that President Tinubu while addressing the Joint Session of the federal lawmakers, described the 10th NASS as 11th NASS.

When his orderly and chorus voices of the lawmakers reminded him he was addressing the 10th NASS, he said he wrote 11th.

His words: “In fulfillment of one of my constitutional duties and with unyielding commitment to rebuilding Nigeria towards ensuring that we remain steadfast on the journey to a prosperous future, I hereby present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the 11th National Assembly… 10th? I wrote 11th…. which means you are all re-elected (sic).”

Reacting to the words of the President in an interview with News Central, Dalung claimed that Tinubu disclosed to Nigerians what would happen in 2027.

The former Minister, argued that Nigerians may not be able to change the current government in 2027. He also added that governors across the 36 states may have solidified their chances in 2027 through the way local government elections were conducted.

“When he said all of you are just re-elected, that is not just a joke, The President is telling Nigerians about what will happen in 2027. And I have said this a couple of times that.

‘I don’t think from the attitude of this government and the way the governors have conducted the local government elections, Nigerians should look forward to 2027 to change anything because the President has just confirmed that they were only going to announce themselves return to power. So congratulations Mr President,” Dalung stated.

Two Nigerian nationals, Olutayo Sunday Ogunlaja, 39, and Abel Adeyi Daramola, 37, each face up to 20 years in a United States prison after being convicted by a federal jury for orchestrating a $560,000 romance scam.

In a statement released on Monday evening and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, the US Attorney, Alexander Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, revealed through the Department of Justice that the Nigerian pair was convicted of perpetrating the scam following a four-day trial and under three hours of jury deliberation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the two Nigerian nationals, in partnership with other accomplices, initiated a scheme in January 2016, using a fabricated identity, “Glenn Brown,” on the dating website, eHarmony.com.

Prosecutors revealed that the fraudulent profile was later used to establish a romantic relationship with a victim in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Along with other accomplices, the defendants allegedly obtained thousands of the US dollars from the victim.

The statement said, “Throughout the fraud, the victim was led to believe that their financial assistance was necessary for ‘Glenn Brown’ to complete a purported construction project in Malaysia and return safely to the United States.

“The victim sent approximately $560,000 to various accounts in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia between January 2016 and April 2017.

“On September 27, 2016, the victim wired approximately $28,000 to a Woodforest Bank account in the name of Daramola Cars, as instructed by the fraudulent “Glenn Brown” persona. Daramola subsequently wired $18,000 to a seafood importer in Denmark and issued a check (cheque) for $14,000.”

Although Daramola was said to have denied involvement in the romance scheme, a statement from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office revealed that text and WhatsApp messages on his phone exposed his role in supplying bank accounts for the multiple fraud schemes.

The statement highlighted that Ogunlaja’s involvement included using his Bank of America account “for receiving fraudulent funds.”

It was noted that “Glenn Brown” specifically instructed the victim to deposit $20,000 in cash into Ogunlaja’s account on March 9 and March 15, 2016.

After receiving the deposits from the victim, Ogunlaja was said to have made several cash withdrawals and transferred them to Daramola’s account.

A report by PUNCH Metro on November 26, 2024, detailed how two other Nigerians, Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, were sentenced by a US federal jury to a combined 30-year prison term for defrauding US citizens of $3,500,000.

The convicted individuals were said to have deceived their victims by claiming they had received large inheritances that required a fee to access.

Justice K. B. Olawoyin, presiding over Court 8 of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has fixed Tuesday, January 13, to deliver his ruling on the bail application filed by Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi.

Hamzat is the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, an Ibadan-based radio station; while Fasasi is the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

They are currently standing trial over the stampede which occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in December 2024.

The incident claimed the lives of no fewer than 35 children.

The bail applications were heard at the Oyo State High Court, Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

Counsel for the suspects had filed a summons of application for bail before the court.

After listening to the submissions and arguments of the counsel on points of law, Justice Olawoyin adjourned ruling on the bail application till Tuesday, January 13.

The suspects are currently being remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre Agodi

Fasasi was represented by Waheed Olajide, Ex-queen Naomi was represented by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) and Hamzat was represented by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN).

The cases were argued separately by the counsel in a proceeding that lasted over five hours.

The state had also filed a counter-application against the bail of the suspects.

The state team was led by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Abiodun Aikomo who led top officials of the Ministry of Justice.

All the counsel in their separate arguments told the court why their clients should be allowed to enjoy their freedom, noting that there are no sufficient evidence is before the court to warrant the confining to prison custody.

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has celebrated his son, Jordan, for earning a master of law (LLM) degree at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (UK).

In a post shared on X, the FCT minister said he is proud of the progress that his son has made in his career pursuit.

“Happy to witness, alongside my wife, the graduation ceremony of our son, Jordan, who just earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at Queen Mary University of London, UK. As a father, I am happy for the progress Jordan is making in the pursuit of his career,” Wike wrote.

The minister also shared some pictures taken during the graduation ceremony.

 

Eberechi, a judge of the court of appeal, who is the wife of Wike, also featured in the pictures.

In July 2022, Jordan earned a bachelor of law degree from the University of Exeter, UK.

Wike was the governor of Rivers state from 2015 to 2023.

After his tenure as governor, he was appointed as the FCT minister by President Bola Tinubu.

‘Everybody Loves Jenifa‘, a film produced by Funke Akindele, has become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.

FilmOne Studios, the entertainment company, announced the remarkable feat in a post via its Instagram page on Tuesday.

The post revealed that the movie, released across cinemas on December 11, has grossed over N1.466 billion in less than a month.

“Everybody Loves Jenifa has officially hit a historic N1.466 billion and counting at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of all time!” it reads.

“A massive thank you to our incredible audiences in Nigeria and Ghana for making this dream a reality! Your support is everything.

“On to even greater heights! Still showing in cinemas near you—experience the magic on the big screen.”