Nigeria records 1,580 human rights violations in March alone – NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday revealed that the country recorded 1,580 human rights violations in the six geopolitical zones in the March alone. The rights violations included killings , kidnapping, domestic violence , abductions, and children’s rights, among others. According to the Commission, North Central topped the list of the complaints of human rights violations recorded with 468 cases. The senior human rights advicer, Mr Hilary Ogbona, made this known at the National Human Rights Commission headquarters in Abuja. At the presentation of the findings attended by the Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission and Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Ogbona explained that the police, military, and Department of State Service DSS grouped as state actors recorded 94 rights violations cases. The human rights adviser who explained that the killings of the military and police personnel in Delta State formed part of the report revealed that 542 cases of violation of children’s rights were also recorded during the period. Besides, Ogbona explained that domestic violence, which he said was becoming too rampant in some parts of the country, had 471 cases recorded. He said that the non state actors and private actors have 32 and 36 respectively while 3 cases of violation of rights were recorded against disabled people. According to him, other sectors, including social economic and cultural rights, accounted for 157, while referred cases were put at 24. He said that killings and kidnapping accounted for 499, while another 71 violations of rights to life were also recorded by the commission during the period. Ogbonna said that the 1,580 human rights violations were the entire figures recorded in the 36 states offices of the commission and Abuja. Expressing worry over the increasing cases of human rights violation, Ogbonna said that about 301 school children were abducted in kaduna state alone while 40 people were killed in Benue state. He expressed dismay that rights to life were being violated in various ways and manner because four deaths were recorded in Nassarawa State during the sharing of palliative. He then called for restraint on both State and Private Actors, adding that reprisal attacks contributed to the recorded rights violations. Ogbona also appealed to police and military to always conduct their investigations in compliance with the rules of engagement and rule of laws as provided for in the national and international laws. Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Commission Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. He promised to partner with other stakeholders, including the government, in the bid to step up efforts to protect lives and properties and in ensuring downward size in the violations of human rights. The NHRC monthly dashboard aimed at making the human rights situation public is supported by the United Nations Development Program, the Office of the United Nations High Commission for human rights, and others.
Nigeria Police Force Elevates Over 10,000 Officers
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the promotion of over 10,000 junior officers across various cadres. Under the directive of Inspector General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 10,581 deserving officers from the Inspectorate Cadre and the Rank and File have been elevated. The promotion process, spearheaded by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration and the Commissioner of Police (Welfare), is set to commence promptly, as confirmed by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The breakdown of promotions includes 9,831 Police Constables advancing to the rank of Corporal, 81 Corporals promoted to Sergeant, and 669 officers progressing from Sergeant to Inspector. Emphasizing the importance of meritocracy and career advancement, the Inspector General highlighted the role of timely promotions in boosting officer morale and overall effectiveness. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based promotions, underscoring its significance in ongoing manpower development initiatives. The Nigeria Police Force extended congratulations to all officers slated for promotion, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and unwavering service to the nation.
IBEDC Restores Power to UCH After 16-Day Blackout
University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has finally regained electricity after enduring a 16-day blackout due to a disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). The disconnection was a result of an outstanding debt amounting to N495 million, accumulated over six years. The power restoration, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Thursday, came after the hospital management took steps to address the issue. Part of the debt, totaling N80 million, was paid, and an agreement was reached with IBEDC on a repayment plan for the remaining amount. During the blackout period, the hospital faced significant challenges, with workers resorting to rechargeable lamps to attend to patients. Many wards operated at minimal capacity, leading to patient discharges, while critical cases were still admitted, albeit with difficulties. In response to the outage, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had previously announced limited working hours for staff, citing the lack of electricity as a major hindrance to their duties. However, with power now restored, normal operations are expected to resume fully.
Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Passport
The Nigerian Government has rolled out plans to begin the local production of international passports in the country. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a post via his official X handle on Wednesday night. Tunni-Ojo revealed that he met with a local technology company that presented a proposal for localizing international passport production. “Today, I had a meeting with an indigenous technology company presenting a proposal on localizing our international passport production,” he wrote. The production of international passports by Nigeria in other countries appears to be constituting a delay in the process of acquiring the document. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) unveiled the fully automated passport application system on March 8, 2024. With this, applicants, including Nigerians in the diaspora, are expected to enjoy a seamless experience registering for new passports and renewing expired ones. In another development, Tunji-Ojo recently convened a brainstorming session with the Ministry of Interior’s technical partners, top immigration officers, and ministry officials. The minister said the mission is to revolutionize the visa application process, particularly for short-stay visitors, so that Nigeria can streamline procedures, reduce stress, and enhance accessibility through automation. “It is my belief that by fostering a more welcoming environment for tourists eager to explore our vibrant culture and rich artistic heritage, we are on another step towards achieving the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
US Embassy Warns Citizens in Nigeria Over Shiites Protest
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens residing in the country regarding an impending nationwide protest organized by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as Shiites. Scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2024, the protest is anticipated to primarily take place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The embassy highlighted potential risks associated with the demonstrations, including roadblocks, traffic disruptions, and potential clashes between protestors and Nigerian security forces. While specific details such as timing and exact locations remain unspecified, the US embassy indicated potential protest sites based on past demonstrations, including prominent areas in Abuja such as Bannex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, and various mosques. In light of the security concerns, the embassy advised its citizens to exercise caution, avoid the protest areas, monitor local media for updates, steer clear of crowds, and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Additionally, residents were urged to review their personal security plans and ensure their cell phones are charged in case of emergencies, while carrying proper identification at all times. Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has assured residents of adequate security measures during the protest and beyond, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.
NERC Sanctions AEDC for Misapplying New Electricity Tariff
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for incorrectly implementing the new electricity tariffs in the nation’s capital. In response to numerous complaints from Abuja residents, NERC has fined AEDC a sum of N200 million and instructed the company to refund affected customers who were wrongly billed. According to NERC, the tariff adjustment was intended for customers classified under Band A, who typically receive approximately 20 hours of electricity per day. However, residents in other bands were also subjected to the increased charges when attempting to purchase electricity units. Although AEDC has issued an apology and attributed the situation to an error, NERC’s sanctions underscore the importance of accurate billing practices and consumer protection in the electricity sector.
Fraud, Bribery Allegation: Kano government sues Ganduje, wife, others
The Kano State government has dragged the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, and others to court for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor. The eight-count charges, according to the government, are offences contravening the state Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008. The state government also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from “people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contract and or projects for the remodelling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent)”. Other defendants in the case are Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lesaga General Enterprises. “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of September 2020 and March 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3rd Defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N1,376,000,000.00 (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy-six million Naira) through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd Defendant being monies earmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP, 105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991,” part of the charge sheet reads “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, sometime between the period of September 2020 and January 2022 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a Businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, while entrusted with the sum of N1,376,000,000.00 (One Billion Three Hundred and seventy-six million Naira) or dominion over the said sum, earmarked for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment dishonestly misappropriated and/or converted the said sum to your own use through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd defendant, thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of The penal code (as amended) CAP, 105, Vol.2. “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of March of 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspired with the 4th defendant (Umar Abdullahi Umar) being your biological son using 6th defendant (Lamash Properties Ltd) a company owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high-density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit of all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPD/256B in the name of the 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsorily acquired by you being the Governor of Kano State from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) where it was sold and the proceed part of which the sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. Domicile at Access Bank where dollar equivalent was given to the 4th defendant to the detriment of the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence of Criminal Conspiracy contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991. “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje sometime between the period of March of 2021 or thereabout, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor and being a public servant in the government of Kano State for your own benefit and that of your immediate family conspired with the 4th defendant Umar Abdullahi Umar, being your biological son using 6th defendant Lamash Properties Ltd a company substantially owned and or operated by members of your family including the 4th defendant and dishonestly allocated 501 (five hundred and one) high-density plots of lands you hold in trust for the benefit all Nigerians at Zawachiki layout No. TP/KNUPDA/256B in the name of the 6th defendant company under the pretext of site and services arrangement in the land compulsory acquired by you as a governor of Kano state from destitute members of the public (peasant farmers) which was sold and the proceeds, the sum of #700,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) was deposited in the account of Bureau de change operator vision Steel link Ltd No. 7816362026 Domicile at FCMB where dollar equivalent was given to the 4th defendant thereby causing wrongful gain to yourself and causing wrongful loss to the people and government of Kano State thereby jointly committed the offence Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to section 311 and read together with section 79 and punishable under section 312 of The Penal Code (as amended), CAP. 105, Vol. 2. The Laws of the Kano State of Nigeria, 1991.” The state government said a forensic expert would analyse the video, showing the former governor receiving dollar notes from a contractor. Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as governor of Kano from 2015 to 2023. In 2018, Daily Nigerian, an online newspaper, published a video of Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a traditional outfit The newspaper said the former governor requested $5 million as a bribe from the contractors who recorded the video. In 2023, the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning over the incident in the video. The former governor did not honour the invitation and instead instituted
EFCC Launches Investigation into Bobrisky’s Alleged Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Command, has launched a probe into the actions of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for purportedly spraying Naira notes. The investigation stems from a video circulating online, showing Bobrisky allegedly flaunting bundles of new Naira notes at the premiere of the movie “Ajakaju,” produced by Nollywood actress and producer Eniola Ajao. The event took place at Film One Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024. According to sources, this is not an isolated incident, as Bobrisky is suspected of engaging in similar activities at various event centers and parties on multiple occasions. Responding to the EFCC’s invitation, Bobrisky arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command on Wednesday morning, April 4, 2024, for questioning and provided his statements voluntarily. Upon the conclusion of investigations, Bobrisky is expected to be formally charged in court.
Military releases slain terrorist commanders’ names
The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday released the names of terrorist kingpins killed during different operations in the northern part of the country. The DHQ noted that the terrorist commanders were killed in separate operations between January and March 2024. The names of the terrorist kingpins are Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorist who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops on 21 Feb 24. Others are Kachallah Damina (Neutralised on March 24 by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others. The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed the names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja. He added that a total of 2,351 terrorists were killed while 2,308 were arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under review.
Nnamdi Kanu heads to appeal court over “denial of fair hearing”
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has approached Court of Appeal, Abuja, to seek redress over alleged denial of his right to fair hearing by the Federal High Court Abuja. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on March 19, 2024, refused to grant bail to Kanu, who is being prosecuted by the Federal Government over allegation of treasonable felony. The legal team of the IPOB leader, led by Aloy Ejimakor, told the appellate court in a notice of appeal with charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, that the trial judge erred when she denied Kanu’s constitutional rights to fair trial. In the grounds of Appeal, it was stated that, “The learned trial Court erred in law when the Court assumed jurisdiction to proceed with the hearing of the criminal trial against the Appellant when the Appellant is glaringly denied the constitutional right to fair trial with particular reference to denial of adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against the Appellant and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice. “Fair hearing/trial bears the constitutional safeguards of ensuring that the Appellant is accorded the adequate facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations levelled against the Appellant. The appellant held that the Department of State Services, also failed to provide adequate “facilities to prepare for the defence of the criminal allegations against the Appellant and his right to counsel of his own choice, thereby occasioning a grave miscarriage of justice”.