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Meta reportedly moves to unwind $2B Manus deal after Beijing’s demand

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Meta has begun dismantling its $2 billion acquisition of Manus, completing an operational separation from the Chinese-founded AI startup and halting data sharing between the two companies. This is the most concrete step yet toward complying with a divestiture order Beijing issued roughly two months ago on national security grounds.

Meta has cut Manus off from its internal systems, Bloomberg reported, preventing employees from using Manus tools for internal projects as the two companies move toward a full separation.

Meanwhile, according to May reports, the co-founders of Manus have held preliminary discussions about raising approximately $1 billion from outside investors to reclaim the startup from Meta, a move that could pave the way for a Chinese joint venture structure and an eventual listing in Hong Kong, a venue that has seen a surge in AI listings this year for Chinese AI startups like MiniMax and Zhipu.

What was supposed to be a landmark exit for Chinese AI is quickly unraveling. The move underscores Beijing’s determination to retain control over strategically sensitive technology, regardless of a company’s offshore incorporation.

In addition to the forced divestiture, Chinese authorities have since expanded travel restrictions to researchers and executives at private firms, requiring government approval before heading abroad. China is also tightening its grip on foreign capital, with reports indicating that top AI firms, including Moonshot AI, StepFun, and ByteDance, will need government sign-off before accepting U.S. investment, adding another layer to Beijing’s sweeping effort to control its AI sector.

Even as Meta moves to sever ties with Manus, the agentic AI startup has continued to ship new features, rolling out integrations with Similarweb and Shopify.

Manus drew widespread attention with a viral agent demo relocated its staff to Singapore in mid-2025 before announcing a $2 billion acquisition by Meta in December. Chinese regulators moved to scrutinize the transaction earlier this year, citing potential violations of technology export controls and foreign investment rules.

Manus investors, including California-based venture firm Benchmark, have already received their proceeds from the acquisition, while Asian backers, including Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund, have indicated they will cooperate with the unwinding process, according to the WSJ.

Manus’ Chinese origins with parent company Butterfly Effect drew scrutiny on both sides of the Pacific, with Senator John Cornyn questioning whether American capital should flow to a Chinese-linked firm.

Meta and Manus did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

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Mutfwang hails Tinubu for approving dualisation of Plateau-Taraba road

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Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the dualisation of the road linking Plateau to Taraba.

Mr Mutfwang commended the president in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to governor, Dr Gyang Bere, on Sunday in Jos.

Mr Tinubu recently approved the dualisation of the road linking Mararaban Jama’a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam in Plateau to river Ibi in Taraba.

Mr Mutfwang described the landmark project as a historic intervention aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Plateau State.

He added that the project would strengthen regional integration and improve the quality of life of Plateau people and Nigerians in general.

Mr Mutfwang further said that the project clearly demonstrates Mr Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive national development and determination to bridge infrastructure gaps across the country.

He argued that the project would ensure smooth movement of goods and services, reduce transportation costs and boost agricultural production.

“It will also boost commerce, attract investments, promote tourism and enhance social and economic interactions across the region. This is not just about the construction of a road; it is about restoring hope, expanding economic opportunities, creating jobs and opening up rural communities.

“It will accelerate the development of the North-Central and North-East corridors. It is a project that will positively impact generations to come,” Bere quoted Mutfwang as saying.

The governor equally commended the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who also lobbied for the project.

Mr Mutfwang particularly thanked Mr Yilwatda for his strategic engagement and commitment to the development of Plateau State at all times.

He also praised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his dedication, professionalism and determination in driving the Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda across the country.

The governor called on the residents of Plateau Stare to support the transformative agenda of the president, aimed at ensuring a better Nigeria for all.

(NAN)

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Real reason Tinubu lost Lagos in 2023 elections – Obanikoro

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Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has attributed the defeat of president Bola Tinubu in Lagos State in the 2023 general elections to the weaponization of Muslim-Muslim ticket against him.

Obanikoro said this in an interview on the ‘Mic On podcast’ hosted by a Channels Television journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.

According to him, it was not Peter Obi that defeated President Tinubu in Lagos, it was how the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“Let me tell you, what defeated us in Lagos was the Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Peter Obi. People were afraid because they didn’t know what Tinubu’s presidency will look like.

“People thought it was a situation where the Christian in Nigeria would be relegated, and that has been defeated because Tinubu is a Muslim, but he is not a religious bigot that will carry one religion over another.

“His wife is a pastor. His son, Seyi is a Christian. He was born a Muslim. He became a Christian. Most of the people in his cabinet are Christians,” he said.

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