National News
NHRC compensates 27 police brutalities’ victims with N146m
NHRC compensates 27 police brutalities’ victims with N146m
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday paid a total of N146 million to 27 victims of police brutalities based on the recommendations of it’s independent investigative panel on violations of human rights by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.
The cases in which compensation was paid included those relating to extra-judicial killings/forced disappearance, torture/inhuman and degrading treatment, illegal arrests/prolonged detention, confiscation of property and threat to life.
Late Festus Idehen, who was arrested in Kaduna, brought to Abuja and later tortured to death by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was awarded N15m; so also was the case of the late Miss Anita Akapson, killed in front of her house by stray bullet fired by a policeman.
A female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Angela Linda Igwetu, killed by policemen at a checkpoint on the night she went to celebrate the conclusion of her service, was awarded N10m.
Mrs. Victoria Agori (victim of police torture) and her late son, Daniel ( victim of police extra-judicial killing) were jointly awarded N15m, while another victim of forced disappearance/extra-judicial killing, Edward Dumisara, got N10m.
Kenneth Umunna and Moses Mfe, who were both victims of forced disappearance and extra-judicial killings, were also awarded N10m each. Kingsley Ezera Kalu, whose left leg got amputated after he was shot by a policeman, got N5m.
The panel awarded N6 million to victims of the Apo six killings, as their funeral expenses, which formed part of the unexecuted recommendations of the judicial panel inquiry earlier set up on the case.
In the case of a 14-year old female victim of police’s stray bullet, the panel chose to set up a N5million trust fund (to which interested individuals could contribute) to cater for the girl’s education, medicals and her mother’s business, affected by the cost of treating the young victim.
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Speaking at the presentation of cheques to 20 petitioners adjudged by the panel to have had their rights violated by SARS and other Police units at the headquarters of the NHRC in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Tony Ojukwu said the event was historic as many did not believe that Nigerians which rights were violated could get succour.
Ojukwu said by compensating the victims, NHRC was out to change the narrative of impunity, adding that the Commission was ready to provide remedy where Nigerians’ rights were violated.
He said: “Where there is violation, there must be remedy,” insisting that the Commission has begun a journey to restore human dignity.
He however said the promotion and protection of rights of Nigerians required the cooperation of all including the executive, legislative and judiciary arms of government, civil society organisations, and even the business community.
He said: “We owe it a duty to make sure no one suffers injustice in this country.”
The chairman of the nine-man panel, Justice Sulaiman Galadima (retd), said that the compensation being paid to the victims and families of victims of rights violation was part of the recommendations of the panel.
The retired Justice of the Supreme Court, noted that part of the recommendations of the panel was the immediate compensation of victims and families.
While urging the Federal Government to implement the other parts of his panel’s report, Justice Galadima called on all state governments that have received the reports of the panel on #EndSARS to immediately implement the recommendations of the panels.
NHRC compensates 27 police brutalities’ victims with N146m
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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