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NHRC Asks Government to Stop Criminalizing Protest

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NHRC Asks Government to Stop Criminalizing Protest
…Condemns Use of Massive Force by Law Enforcement Against During #EndBadGovernance Protest

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the federal government and its law enforcement agencies to prepare for next protest rather than work at stopping it and criminalizing those organising the planned nationwide protest scheduled for October 1.

The Commission, while stating that protest is an expression of one of the human rights that is international recognized, insisted that since the government has been given enough notice, it is the duty of law enforcement agencies to ensure that strategies are put in place to prevent hoodlums do not hijack it and criminality is checked against during the period of the protest.

It also condemned the blatant use of force and disregard for the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and other associated rights exhibited by law enforcement agencies during the #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country last month.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu who disclosed this on Friday, while presenting the human rights situation dashboard, lamented that the action of security and law enforcement agencies led to tragic incidents of violence and loss of lives.

He said, such actions represent a stark violation of the fundamental human rights of the Nigerian people, calling for unequivocal condemnation and justice.

According to the NHRC boss, who was represented at the event by his Special Assistant and the head of human rights monitoring of the Commission, Mr. Benedict Agu, the #EndBadGovernance protest was a bold expression of the masses’ demand for accountability and good governance.

Ojukwu,, said, the issue of displacement in the country is affecting countless individuals and communities adding that, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that, about 208,655 persons have been displaced in 22 states this year already, a stark increase from 2023 numbers.

He said that: “It is therefore imperative that government takes immediate and sustainable actions to address this pressing issue, ensuring the protection and well-being of all those affected by displacement and taking steps to avert the effects of flooding and other sources of displacement”.

The NHRC boss said, the Commission’s monthly human rights dashboard serves as a critical tool in assessing the state of human rights in the country, providing invaluable insights and data that demands attention and action.

Presenting July and August, 2024 human rights assessment dashboard of the Commission, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr. Hillary Ogbona said, over 1, 200 people who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest last month have so far been arrested and detained by security agencies across the country.

While the Commission lamented that some of the protesters have been charged to court, it however noted with grave concern that they were detained beyond the period allowed by law before been taken to court.

According to the dashboard, a total of 414, 200 complaints of human rights abuses were received by the Commission across the country in the last two months, insisting that protest is not a crime but a legitimate way of expressing grievance against unfavourable government policies and programmes.

Ogbona said: “Government should not attempt to stop protest but to guide it. At the same time, Government should not lump genuine protesters with criminals. You don’t arrest and detain people for protest.

“Looting and destruction of properties are not protest but act of criminalities which should not be regarded as part of peaceful protests.

“From this side, it is a fact that private and public properties were looted during the last protest and we hereby appealed to government to identify and evaluate the losses of victims for the purpose of supporting them, as some of the victims may not be able to rise again”, he added.

He appealed to Government to adopt human rights approach to lawful protest and that, Government should endeavour to look into the root cause of protests and discontents in the country, which he said may not be far from economic and political situation in the country.

The Commission also called on governments at all level to increase their capacity to protect lives and properties of the people.

He revealed that the Commission is monitoring the trial of the protesters in court, adding that, in charging them with treason, government must bring up believable evidences against them.

According to Ogbona, the Commission had, in the last two months, witnessed astronomical increase in mass killings, abductions, attacks on Police stations, attacks on press freedom, violation of the rights of association and assembly, killing of law enforcement and members of the Armed Forces, cases of violence against children, minors and child abandonment.

He said, between July and August, the Commission recorded a total of 365 cases of kidnapping, 340 killings, 4,300 cases of child abandonment and killings of 37 security and law enforcement agents adding further that, a total of 142 killings were recorded in Kaduna, 137 in in Benue, Katsina recorded 112 killings and 76 killings recorded in Plateau state.

NHRC Asks Government to Stop Criminalizing Protest

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Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted

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Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits numbering about 200 stormed Babanla town in Kwara state on motorbikes at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, killing a police officer and looting a local market.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the assailants, who fired sporadically, attacked the Babanla Police Station, where ASP Adejumo Wasiu attached to the ACPOL Offa was shot dead. His AK-47 rifle was taken by the attackers.

Sources said that the station was ransacked, though no additional arms were lost, as all other weapons were on charge at the time.

After the assault on the police facility, the gunmen moved to the town’s market, seizing large quantities of foodstuffs.

A joint force comprising military, police, vigilantes, and local hunters mobilized swiftly, repelling the attack and restoring order.

The number of civilian casualties remains unknown as at the time of filling this report

Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted

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Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested

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Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Gona in Bauchi state are on a manhunt after eight suspects in custody for various offences escaped from their cell in the early hours of August 8, 2025.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when the detainees broke out of their cell and forcefully opened the nearby exit door before fleeing to an unknown destination.

It was gathered that a rapid response patrol and divisional surveillance teams were deployed immediately. One of the escapees, identified as Abdullahi Haliru, has since been rearrested.

The sources said that authorities have circulated alerts to aid in the capture of the remaining fugitives

Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested

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Zulum Approves Establishment of Equipment Maintenance Unit

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Zulum Approves Establishment of Equipment Maintenance Unit

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the establishment of a dedicated Equipment Maintenance Unit to ensure the optimal use and maintenance of heavy equipment.

The Unit, which will be domiciled under the Governor’s Office, is designed to provide proper oversight and coordination of all heavy machinery owned by the state government.

This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, extend the lifespan of critical assets, and achieve significant cost savings.

In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, emphasised that the creation of the Unit aligns with the state’s ongoing development projects and recent procurement of heavy equipment.

“In line with ongoing development projects and the procurement of heavy equipment by Borno State Government, the Executive Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the establishment of a dedicated Equipment Maintenance Unit placed directly under the Governor’s Office to ensure proper oversight and coordination, Tijani states.

“The creation of the unit is a strategic step toward effective management of the government’s heavy equipment assets which aligns with the governor’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development,” the statement adds.

The newly established Unit would be headed by a qualified engineer with relevant experience in heavy equipment maintenance and management.

Zulum Approves Establishment of Equipment Maintenance Unit

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