News
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
By: Michael Mike
Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has condemned the tragic death of Barrister Abdulsalami Ginsau, who reportedly suffocated after being trapped in an elevator at a hotel in Abuja on March 31, 2026. The advocacy group is calling for urgent investigations, stronger safety regulations, and accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the incident.
In a statement released on Friday, SOJA described the death as preventable and raised serious concerns about building safety standards, emergency response systems, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s hospitality and construction sectors. The organization said the incident highlights systemic gaps that put lives at risk.
“Elevators are not luxuries—they are life-dependent systems,” SOJA said. “Any failure in their design, maintenance, or emergency protocols can have fatal consequences. No individual should lose their life in such a preventable and distressing manner.”
The group cited both domestic and international legal frameworks protecting the right to life, including Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. SOJA stressed that the Nigerian government has a duty to prevent third-party negligence and to enforce safety standards that safeguard citizens.
SOJA outlined several recommendations, including conducting a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of Ginsau’s death, identifying any negligence or regulatory breaches, and holding all responsible parties accountable. The organization also called for the development and enforcement of national regulations on elevator safety, mandatory inspection and certification programs, installation of functional emergency systems in elevators, and criminalization of gross negligence in life-dependent infrastructure.
Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Executive Director of SOJA, emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform. “A society that fails to safeguard basic infrastructure places every citizen at risk. Justice must not only be demanded—it must be delivered,” he said.
The tragic death of Ginsau has reignited public debate on the enforcement of building codes and the adequacy of safety measures in public and private facilities across Nigeria.
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC), 2027 gubernatorial candidate Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI, FCAN, has paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, at his palace in Damaturu.
During the visit, the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI, said they were at the emir’s palace to solicit the prayers and blessings of the emir.
According to Baba Wali, “We are in the race; therefore, the visit was very significant. We need the prayers of the royal fathers and leaders because they were very vital and important at this crucial time.
Responding, His Royal Highness, the emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Al-Amin El-Kanemi, thanked the governorship candidate for the visit and prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) would guide and protect him throughout his struggle in his life.
Those accompanying the incoming governor, Inshallah, in 2027 during the visit are his deputy, Barrister Saleh Samanja; APC State chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka; and Madakin Gudi.
Others are Alhaji Aji Yarima Bularafa, Hon. Commissioner of the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment, and Employment Generation; Hon. Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, candidate for the Federal House of Representatives, representing Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, and Tarmuwa local government areas; and others.
The emir conferred the traditional title of Mukaddam of the Damaturu emirate council on Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni, and fcan, respectively.
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
LAGOS — A fire outbreak has destroyed several building material shops along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town, Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 6:10 a.m. on Aug. 18, when a distress call was received reporting a fire outbreak in the area.
Following the alert, a team of policemen and firefighters was swiftly mobilised to the scene.
The fire affected building material shops located at 58/196 Old Ojo Road, along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town.
The emergency responders successfully contained and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
No casualty or loss of life was recorded in the incident.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of property destroyed have not yet been established.
The police said investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
News
24 Bandits Killed As Army, DSS, Vigilantes Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina Community, Rescue Victims
24 Bandits Killed As Army, DSS, Vigilantes Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina Community, Rescue Victims
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 24 bandits were killed on Tuesday after soldiers of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Katsina Community Watch Corps foiled an attempt to mass-kidnap persons in Gidan Bawa village, Kandarawa Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
According to a security source, the operation followed sustained intelligence which uncovered plans by about 40 gunmen loyal to notorious bandit kingpin, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, to invade the village and abduct many residents, especially women and children.
The plot, sources said, was intended to replicate the mass abduction of residents of Woro community in Kwara State, ostensibly to embarrass the government.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, DSS operatives mobilised the Community Watch Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Guga camp, and ambushed the bandits.
The source disclosed that the joint security operatives neutralised 24 bandits and rescued the abducted villagers.
Security operatives also recovered 19 stolen cattle from the community during the raid.
The source added that there were ongoing efforts to track down the fleeing bandits.
24 Bandits Killed As Army, DSS, Vigilantes Foil Mass Kidnap in Katsina Community, Rescue Victims
Ogwashi-Uku Palace: Izediunor Faction Has Lost At Every Court Level, Including Supreme Court
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
Police Arrest Two Suspected One-Chance Robbery Syndicate Members in Lagos
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