National News
National Assembly May Drag Governors to Court to Take Up Responsibility on Correctional Facilities – Lawmaker

National Assembly May Drag Governors to Court to Take Up Responsibility on Correctional Facilities – Lawmaker
By: Michael Mike
The National Assembly may soon dragged the 36 state governors before the Supreme Court to compel them to take responsibility of correctional facilities in their domain, the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah has revealed.
Speaking at an event to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC ) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Ogah lamented that the governors have refused to take responsibility over the correctional facilities after it was placed on the concurrent list in the constitution.
He said that there is an urgent need for the governors to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities in supporting correctional services, stating that the National Assembly would stopped at nothing to ensure that this was done.
He revealed that presently lawyers have been consulted to sue governors who have refused to act according to the constitution to build and maintain correctional facilities.
He said: “Governors must act in accordance with the constitution to build and maintain correctional facilities.”
Chinedu Ogah, who is representing Ikwa/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, noted that the state of many correctional facilities in the country is an eyesore, noted that there is also the need for increased staffing in correctional facilities, lamenting that many of the facilities are severely understaffed.
He also complained about the congestion of correctional facilities in the country, stating that “a facility designed for 500 inmates is currently housing over 2,000, with inadequate staff to manage them.”
The lawmaker also called for increase in daily feeding allowance of N750 per inmate, lamenting that after the deductions what they actually left with is N560.
He called for urgent approval of N2,500 daily feeding allowance to inmate as being proposed by the National Assembly.
Ogar also advocated for increased private sector participation in agricultural projects within correctional facilities. He said this would provide inmates with valuable skills and reduce recidivism.
He said: “We have thousands of hectares of land that can be utilized for mechanized farming, benefiting both inmates and the broader economy.”
In his message on the day, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres said Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
Guterres, whose speech was delivered by the Peace and Development Advisor, Office of UN Resident Coordinator, UN Nigeria, Dr. Kim Toogood, said: “And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands, Our world is unequal and divided. Hunger and poverty are rife.”
He lamented that: “The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
“These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
“We can choose to eradicate poverty. We can choose to end inequality. We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity. We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity. Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
“I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
“Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.”
On her part, Head – Justice, Integrity and Health Unit at UNODC, Muchaneta Mundopa said: “UNODC is the custodian of the Rules, making the Nelson Mandela International Day important for us. This year, the UNODC is calling for the universal, practical application of the Rules via the #PrisonersMatter campaign. Prisoners matter because their treatment affects us all: our safety, public health, community resources, and the social cohesion of our societies. But fundamentally, prisoners matter because they are people. Prisoners’ Rights are Human rights.
“In line with the global theme of Nelson Mandela Day 2024, “Ending Poverty and Inequality,” today, I would also like to encourage stakeholders to broaden the scope of criminal change and related disruptions on prison and offender management, poverty, inequality, and sustainable peace.”
The Controller General of Corrections. Haliru Nababa, said: “Mandela believed in restorative justice – a system that focuses on repairing harm caused by crime rather than mere punishment. The Service explores restorative justice practices, emphasizing dialogue, victim-offender mediation, and reconciliation.
“I recognize the critical role that prisons play in our society. It is our duty to ensure that inmates are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. Rehabilitation, education, and vocational training are essential components of our mission.
Let us use this day to reflect on Mandela’s vision and recommit ourselves to creating a prison system that promotes rehabilitation, reconciliation, and positive change. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world.”
Ends
National News
We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged
By: Michael Mike
Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.
The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.
The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.
“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.
“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.
Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.
He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.
Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.
The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.
NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.
She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.
A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.
Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.
Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.
Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End
National News
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.
According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.
Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.
The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.
Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.
The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
National News
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.
It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.
Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.
“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.
“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.
He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
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