Bamas Victoria
Abuja, Nigeria
Journo| PM @alkalanci| ex Editor @TheICIR | ex Team Lead @TheFactCheckHub | Team @AfricanSciLit | ex Content Editor @Daily_Trust | ex Creative Mgr @authorpedia
Articles by Bamas Victoria
Small performers, big shadows: a new generation expands stage storytelling in Nigeria
NIGERIA’S arts scene is vibrant, anchored by established, content-driven festivals such as ALITFEST, KabaFest, LIPFest, the Ake Arts & Book Festival, and the WRR ‘Words Rhymes & Rhythm’ Poetry Festival. While these platforms largely spotlight literature, poetry, and spoken word, often through poetry slams, their prominence does not signal a lack of innovation in stage performance. Instead, they exist alongside a quieter but growing wave of experimental theatre.
Kaduna Electric shock: 50 months' pension remittance default leaves staff in distress | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
WHEN Merian [surname withheld] lost her job at the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) in 2023, she thought she had one small cushion to fall back on – her pension. But when she approached her Retirement Savings Account (RSA), there was little to withdraw.
We run writing workshops: what we’ve learnt about how students are using AI, and how to help them | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
By Dr Peet van Aardt, University of the Free State MUCH is being said about the wonders of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is the new frontier. And while it provides amazing possibilities in fields like medicine, academics are debating its advantages for university students.
'Nigeria needs urban health wake-up call, as Africa, Asia cities grow faster than health systems can contain' | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
NIGERIA’S urban health system is heading for tougher times, as new projections show that urban populations across Africa and Asia will grow by as much as 90 per cent over the next two decades, health policy experts say. The experts warn that without urgent reforms, cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu could face deepening health crises.
US military strikes in Sokoto raise questions over target location | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
THE United States’ announcement of military strikes against what it described as ISIS targets in Nigeria’s Sokoto State has triggered debate, raising questions about the location of the strike and the nature of armed groups operating in northwestern Nigeria. In a statement issued on December 25, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said on X that it carried out strikes “against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria” in Sokoto State.
[JUST IN] Nigeria confirms U.S. strikes on terrorist targets in North West | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
THE Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially confirmed that the United States carried out precision strikes targeting terrorist groups in the country, following coordinated intelligence and security cooperation between the two nations.
[BREAKING] Trump announces U.S. 'deadly' 'powerful strikes' on terrorists in Nigeria | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has said the United States carried out a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS militants operating in Nigeria.
Oga Lecturer: how a digital platform is redefining sexual harassment fight on campus | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
SEXUAL harassment in Nigerian campuses thrives largely due to a culture of silence, intimidation, and low institutional action. Many victims are unable to speak out due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or lack of trust in school authorities. Against this backdrop enters a digital initiative known as Oga Lecturer, a platform created by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), which is seeking to change that.
Independent and unaccountable: A new code for Nigeria’s judiciary
By Chidi Anselm ODINKALU AMONG the doctrines that underpin the legal process in Nigeria, few are as profound and pervasive as judicial independence, but no doctrine in the ecosystem of the law rivals its elusiveness. The idea is ubiquitous in the syllabus of every programme leading to the award of a degree in law, in political science or public administration. After leaving the university, the practitioner will encounter it regularly in conferences and in after-dinner speeches.
What do Nigerian children think about computers? Our study found out | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
Ismaila Sanusi, University of Eastern Finland DIGITAL literacy is the ability to use digital tools and technologies effectively, safely and responsibly. This includes the use of smartphones and devices, navigating the internet and exploring coding basics. In an era where digital literacy is more important than ever, it’s essential to understand how young children perceive computing concepts.
Things that can get you arrested during Anambra elections | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
By Nigerian Fact-checker’s Coalition THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continually warned against vote-buying, ballot box snatching, underage voting and other electoral malpractices as Anambra election holds .INEC organises elections into various political offices in the country. The Electoral Act 2022 clearly outlines the rules and regulations guiding electoral process. But many Nigerians are unaware of the provisions in the Act that could lead to their arrest.
Ohaneze’s wake-up call: reclaiming Igbo language before it’s too late | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
By IfeanyiChukwu AFUBA IT’S relieving to hear that the Igbo socio – cultural organisation, Ohaneze, is finally interested in checking the continued setback of Igbo language. Leadership newspaper of Saturday, September 13, 2025, reported that John Azuta-Mbata, President of Ohaneze, pledged the organisation’s support on the mission of Igbo cultural renaissance. The affirmation was made in the course of briefing on preparations for this year’s Ohajioku Festival, scheduled for September 26 at Owerri.
ICIR opens applications for SPARK reporting fellowship
THE International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has announced the opening of applications for its Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK 2.2) Project, calling on journalists from seven Nigerian states to participate in the investigative reporting fellowship.
Understanding Nigeria’s twin crises of democracy and demography
ByAdaobi OBIABUNMUO THE most important things in a democracy involve counting. Among these, three stand out: people, votes, and jobs. These are essential for ensuring that government is accountable; that government is grounded in popular legitimacy; and that government takes the wellbeing of all seriously. Nigeria has been notoriously unreliable in undertaking all three. Unsurprisingly, the country’s democracy suffers a debilitating credibility crisis. It is useful to examine why.
Why Nigeria’s security architecture must expand to empower local communities to defend themselves - Redzie Jugo | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
In a nation grappling with persistent insecurity, particularly across the Middle Belt, Redzie Jugo, founder of the Srarina Initiative for Peace, Justice and Development, stands out as an advocate for justice, accountability, and community resilience.
Bruises, Blood, Legal Costs: Plight of The ICIR at the Frontlines of Accountability Reporting - Wikkitimes
I have spent the last decade in the media, much of it navigating the precarious terrain of accountability journalism in Nigeria. But nothing quite prepares you for the moment your newsroom becomes the headline. In May 2024, The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)was not breaking the news, we were the news.
Bruises, blood, legal costs: Plight of The ICIR at the frontlines of accountability reporting | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
I have spent the last decade in the media, much of it navigating the precarious terrain of accountability journalism in Nigeria. But nothing quite prepares you for the moment your newsroom becomes the headline. In May 2024, The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)was not breaking the news, we were the news.
Mohammed Lawal Uwais (1936–2025) | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
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MOHAMMED Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has passed away bringing to a close a judicial career that spanned over four decades. He died on June 6, 2025. Uwais served as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006. Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, he began his education at the Native Authority Elementary School in Kaduna and later attended Barewa College, completing his secondary education in 1957.
By Harrison Edeh Verified, Bamas Victoria
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The International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)
Verified
Voices from the frontlines: Editors share perspectives on Press Freedom Day | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
AS NIGERIA joins the rest of the globe to mark World Press Freedom Day, we sampled insights from selected editors on the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in the country. From navigating government restrictions and censorship to embracing digital innovation, our editors share their thoughts on the current state of press freedom, the future of journalism, and the importance of a free press in holding power accountable.
Does it cost just N500,000 to become doctor in Nigeria?
A comment by the Senior Pastor of Covenant Christian Centre, Poju Oyemade, claiming that medical graduates in Nigeria spend just N500,000 to complete their education, has sparked controversy across social media platforms. Speaking during a sermon on April 13, Oyemade said Nigerians are being “programmed” on social media to hate their country despite the fact that it costs, for instance, just N500,000 to study medicine and become a medical doctor in Nigeria.
Is the Minister right about 150 million Nigerians having access to electricity? We Checked! | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
THE Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that approximately 150 million Nigerians now have access to electricity. Adelabu made this known on Thursday, April 17, during the 2025 Ministerial Sectoral Update Conference held in Abuja, where he spoke alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, and other key stakeholders.
Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday: Here are things to know
LENT, a significant season in the Christian liturgical year, begins today, March 5, with Ash Wednesday. The liturgical year is the Church calendar observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and several other denominations. On Ash Wednesday, worshippers receive a cross-shaped mark on their foreheads made from ashes. These ashes are obtained by burning palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, according to the Catholic News Agency.
From journalism to pageantry – a young woman’s journey to 45th Miss Nigeria contest | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
ITORO Etukudo is a contestant in the 45th Miss Nigeria pageant scheduled for coronation this Thursday, December 19, in Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria. She is among the 20 young women who will battle it out at the grand finale. The competition commenced with over 40 contestants, 30 made it to the next stage of the contest, and then 10 more were eliminated after a series of events, which included public voting.
Ondo decides 2024: Election day live fact-checks
VOTERS in Ondo State elect their governor today, Saturday, November 16, 2024. Our team of journalists, researchers, fact-checkers, social media monitors, editors, and OSINT experts are on the ground at the Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition’s (NFC) Election Situation Rooms located in Abuja and Lagos, to debunk election-related misinformation and disinformation content targeted at causing voter apathy, inciting violence or influencing the outcome of election in the state.
Edo governorship election results [FULL LIST]
RESULTS as announced at the collation centre for the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, September 2024.
Issues with tax administration in Nigeria
IN Cross River State, hoteliers have 21 different taxes to pay. Among the taxes on the list is the economic development levy which is ‘absurd,’ according to Charles Ogar, chairperson of the state chapter of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria. In November 2023, worried by the burden of multiple and double taxation that his members had to bear, Ogar wrote to the Cross River Tourism Bureau to notify them on the “multiple taxation and levies on hotels”.
Election Day Fact-Checks: Imo, Bayelsa & Kogi governorship poll
THE Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition (NFC) brings you live checks of election-related misinformation and disinformation spreading online and on television on election day for the November 11, 2023, off-cycle election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states. Read the pre-election day live-check HERE. Do you have an election-related claim you want us to fact-check? Reach the NFC via HERE. This page is constantly being updated with verified checks.
Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo 2023 guber poll: Pre-election day checks
THE Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition (NFC) brings you live checks of election-related misinformation and disinformation spreading online and on television on the day before the November 11, 2023, off-cycle election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states. Read election day live -check HERE Do you have an election-related claim you want us to fact-check? Reach the NFC via HERE. This page is constantly being updated with verified checks.
JUST IN: el-Rufai's replacement Balarabe faints during ministerial screening
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UPDATED: El-Rufai's replacement, Balarabe, collapses during screening
A MINISTERIAL nominee from Kaduna state, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, collapsed while being screened by the Senate on Wednesday, October 4. The incident occurred shortly after he presented his biography and outlined his plans if he is confirmed minister. Before he slumped, Sunday Marshall, the senator representing Kaduna South, told the Senate that all three senators from Kaduna state had no objections regarding the nominee.
Nasarawa: Tribunal sacks APC’s Sule as governor, declares PDP's Ombugadu winner
THE governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sacked Abdullahi Sule as governor of Nasarawa state and declared David Ombugadu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as duly elected. Sule is from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Details soon. Bamas Victoria is a multimedia journalist resident in Nigeria. She is on Twitter with the handle @BamasVictoria and email : vbamas@icirnigeria.org
BREAKING: Tinubu approves nomination of Olayemi Cardoso as new CBN Governor | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Olayemi Michael Cardoso to serve as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This is for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. Tinubu also approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
How Nigerian constitution contradicts itself, discriminates against women | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
ONYEKA, a Nigerian, is married to an American woman. *Olayemi, another Nigerian, is married to a Ghanaian man. This looks like two Nigerians married to two foreigners, right? Wrong! In the eyes of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2023 amendment), Olayemi cannot give her husband citizenship, but *Onyeka can. The reason for this discrimination is simple: Olayemi is female.
How Nigerian constitution contradicts itself, discriminates against women | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
ONYEKA, a Nigerian, is married to an American woman. *Olayemi, another Nigerian, is married to a Ghanaian man. This looks like two Nigerians married to two foreigners, right? Wrong! In the eyes of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2023 amendment), Olayemi cannot give her husband citizenship, but *Onyeka can. The reason for this discrimination is simple: Olayemi is female.
Nigeria | Those compromising whistleblowing | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19 Original
A survey published in 2021 shows that the majority of Nigerians perceive corruption as a major problem, but one-quarter of the respondents are unwilling to report any form of corruption.
Whistleblowing: Ordeals of civil servants who risked their jobs to expose corruption
A survey published in 2021 shows that the majority of Nigerians perceive corruption as a major problem, but one-quarter of the respondents are unwilling to report any form of corruption.
2023 election: Disenfranchised for being identical twins
ON February 25, the day of Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections, Paul Akinpelu shared a video of himself and his identical twin brother Peter at a polling unit. The declarative caption on the video was, “We are voting here, no matter how long it takes.” The video showed them spotting similar clothing styles. This is a norm with them. A look at their social media accounts shows that the musicians, who go with the name ‘Exceptional Twins’ on instragram, always dress alike.
LIVE FACT-CHECK : 2023 Presidential and National Assembly election [RESULTS] | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
The Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition (NFC) brings you live-check of election-related misinformation and disinformation spreading online and on television as results trickle in. See Live election day Fact-Check HERE Do you have an election related claim you want us to fact-check? Reach the NFC us via HERE. This page is constantly being updated with verified checks.
Fact-checking Kwankwaso’s claims at ‘The Candidates’ presidential town hall series | The ICIR
AHEAD of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Saturday made several claims on his achievement as a former governor of Kano state and his plans for Nigerians if elected Nigeria’s number one citizen in the next democratic dispensation. Kwankwaso was the governor of Kano state between 1999 to 2003.
Fact-checking Sowore’s claims at ‘The Candidates’ presidential town hall series
ON Friday, 17 November, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, made several claims on the situation of the country and his plans if elected Nigeria’s president in the 2023 general elections. He made the claims at the presidential town hall series titled ‘The Candidates,’ which was organised by Daria Media in partnership with News Central, and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), among others.
Supreme court affirms Adeleke as PDP candidate for Osun election
THE Supreme Court has affirmed Ademola Adeleke as the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s for the July 16 governorship election in Osun State. In a judgment delivered by Justice Amina Augie, the five-member panel held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit after the counsel for the appellant, Adebayo Adelodun, withdrew the earlier notice of appeal that was filed within time.
Women economic empowerment interventions in Enugu: How to fix what's standing on the way | The ICIR
HAVING women enlisted into an Igwe’s cabinet in an Enugu community to provide them with leadership positions so that they can be part of the decision-making process was one of the success stories listed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working on health and women empowerment at its tenth anniversary, in 2006. This is an instance of efforts by relevant stakeholders in Nigeria to achieve gender mainstreaming, so that gender concerns are reflected in policies.
BREAKING: Tambuwal steps down for Atiku
THE governor of Sokoto state Aminu Tambuwal has withdrawn from the 2023 People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential primary race. Tambuwal said he is stepping down for Atiku Abubakar and asked his supporters to vote for him. He said, “Those who are delegates here should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar”. Tambuwal made the announcement not long after he had addressed the delegates and appealed to them to vote for him. The aspirants were each given five minutes to address the delegates.
Claim that the US Army is recruiting foreigners and Africans is FALSE
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The claim, retrieved from a WhatsApp group, stated that prospective applicants should follow an embedded link to apply for the recruitment, noting that special consideration would be given to Africans. “U.S.A Army recruitment/trainership programme 2022. Online application now opens to foreigners/Africans. USA Army has released Application forms and successful applicants will start training next month.
By Omolola Pedro Verified, Bamas Victoria
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The International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)
Verified
FACT-CHECK: Drone footage of ‘bandits’ posted by Joe Igbokwe is from Kenya not Nigeria
— 2mins read FOLLOWING recent bandits’ attacks in Nigeria, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, has posted a video with a claim that it is drone footage of armed bandits who have been kidnapping Nigerians.
How driving in Abuja can be dangerous
This report spotlights danger zones for drivers and residents in Abuja after speaking to motorists and leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Works (NURTW) at Berger, Wuse, Jabi, Maitama, Lugbe, Wuye, Airport Junction, Bannex, Abuja Airport and other motor parks as well as private car owners and rideshare drivers. BAMAS Victoria reports.
Twelve different online scams you should know
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SCAMMERS have taken advantage of the internet and social media to defraud people of their hard-earned money using various tricks. This article highlights various scamming methods you should be aware of to avoid being scammed by fraudsters. 1 – One of the ways fraudsters carry out their scams is through what can be categorised as an employment scam.
By Nurudeen Akewushola Verified, Bamas Victoria
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The International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)
Verified
On the Immigration letter in circulation on planned terrorist attack
Reading Time: 2 minutes In the fourth week of December 2021, a circular with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) letterhead putting its officers at various border posts across the country on alert about a possible terrorist attack in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital surfaced online. Blogs and mainstream media alike reported this. It generated reactions, with some sceptical about its authenticity.
ICIR wins FOI award
— 2mins read THE International Centre for Investigative Reporting (The ICIR) has won an award for utilising the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in its work in Nigeria. The ICIR came second under the organisational category, having made the second-highest requests between May 29, 2015, and October 31, 2021.
Nigeria’s ‘Double Pandemic’ and Boko Haram’s Response to COVID-19
Reading Time: 4 minutes THE Boko Haram (Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād) insurgency has been on for over 12 years. During this time, it has not only transcended its physical epicentre in Northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state by spilling into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, but it has also gained a global presence through the establishment of an accessible digital presence for engagement far beyond the Chad basin.
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