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Justice Must Be Affordable, Accessible for Women, Says UN
Justice Must Be Affordable, Accessible for Women, Says UN
By: Michael Mike
The acting UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, has called for urgent action to reduce the financial, social and institutional barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice in Nigeria.
Attafuah made the call in Abuja on Friday during the launch of “The Cost of Justice: Women’s Voice of Resilience in Nigeria,” an anthology documenting the experiences of women who have navigated the country’s justice system in pursuit of accountability.
The event, held at the United Nations House in Abuja, was organised by the South Saharan Social Development Organisation in collaboration with UN Women and Ford Foundation as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
Speaking at the gathering, Attafuah said the anthology serves as a powerful reminder that behind policy debates on justice are real human stories of struggle, resilience and courage.
She noted that many survivors of violence face significant financial burdens when seeking justice, including the cost of transportation, medical reports, legal representation and repeated court appearances.
According to her, these expenses can make the pursuit of justice extremely difficult for many women already facing economic hardship.
She also highlighted the lengthy and complex legal processes survivors must navigate, noting that court proceedings often take months or even years to conclude. During such periods, victims may face pressure from families or communities to withdraw their cases or reconcile with perpetrators.
Attafuah further pointed to the social cost of seeking justice, explaining that survivors frequently encounter stigma, victim-blaming and pressure to remain silent.
She stressed that access to justice is a critical component of global development efforts, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal 16 and Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focus on building inclusive institutions and ending violence against women and girls.
The UN coordinator reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations system in Nigeria to work with government institutions, civil society groups and development partners to strengthen legal frameworks, expand survivor support services and promote social norms that uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls.
Also speaking at the event, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, said the anthology highlights the persistent challenges women face in accessing justice, particularly survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
She noted that despite progress in legal reforms and awareness campaigns, many women continue to face financial constraints, stigma and limited access to legal support.
Eyong said the publication documents the experiences and resilience of women who have sought justice, emphasising that justice is not only about laws and institutions but also about protecting dignity and ensuring survivors can seek accountability without fear or hardship.
She commended the organisers and partners supporting the initiative, including the Ford Foundation, for advancing efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening protection for women and girls.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Chief State Counsel at the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Habiba Ajanah-Hamza, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to justice for survivors.
She said the ministry remains focused on strengthening coordination among institutions involved in addressing gender-based violence, supporting effective investigation and prosecution of cases, and ensuring that victims are treated with dignity and sensitivity throughout the legal process.
According to her, achieving meaningful access to justice requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, the legal community and the media.
Ajanah-Hamza added that initiatives such as the anthology contribute to raising public awareness and strengthening advocacy for reforms that make justice systems more accessible and responsive to the needs of women and girls.
The anthology launch also featured discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions and partnerships that can help reduce the cost of justice and improve survivor-centred responses across Nigeria.
Participants at the event stressed that the voices documented in the publication should serve as a call to action for stakeholders to work collectively toward building a justice system that ensures protection, accountability and dignity for every woman and girl.
Justice Must Be Affordable, Accessible for Women, Says UN
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
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