National News
NHRC Asks State Government to Immediately Pay Compensation to SARS Victims
NHRC Asks State Government to Immediately Pay Compensation to SARS Victims
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded immediate payment of compensation from state governments to victims of the Nigerian Police’s brutality, harassment, extortion, and extrajudicial killings, following the findings of their constituted Judicial Panel of Inquiry.
The Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu made the call on Monday at the ENDSARS Judicial Panel Review Report Launch, held in Abuja.
He stressed the importance of implementing the recommended compensations for petitioners who have suffered the loss of their family members or loved ones, while emphasizing the urgency for justice and redress.
Ojukwu said state governments should make it a matter of priority to pay victims and not wait for the Federal Government to make funds available before administering justice for victims of police brutality.
He said: “As a matter of urgency, state governments should set up Human Rights Committees that will deal with matters of human rights violations to forestall future occurrence that will trigger another ENDSARS protest that will lead to massive human rights violation on a large scale.”
Discussing the content of the Judicial Review Report, were desk researchers from Yiaga Africa, SBM Intelligence and Enough Is Enough. The report looked at 29 states that established State Investigative Pannel of Inquirery, using, Anambra, FCT, Lagos and Oyo as focal states to carry out their analysis of how effective the State Investigative panels were in tackling petitions on police brutality.
Ikemesit Effiong, one of the researchers, who spoke via zoom, noted that most of the states panels were not Independent and transparent, noting that some of the panels suffered from insufficient funding and some panels had to suspend their sitting which affected the effectiveness of hearing, adding that some states are yet to execute recommendation of their panels.
Chairman Human Rights Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Chinonye Obiagwu, who was a panelist at the event, disclosed that vulnerable people such as the indigents and women constituted large number of persons who brought petition to the Panel of Inquiry.
Obiagwu, who also was a Counsel at the National SARS Panel, stated that there is a huge demand for justice but its supply remains very little due to heavy intimidation and impunity on the part of the police.
He lamented that there is a lack of political will by government to deal with these petitions which has further embolden the police with impunity.
Speaking on the way forward, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi stated that government has put in place existing framework that will protect the rights of citizens.
The Police Act 2002, Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Anti-Torture Act to mention a few is there to protect citizens from human rights abuses.
Fagbemi who was represented by Felix Ota- Okojie further commended the Commission for paying over N400 million to victims of police brutality on cases of enforced killings, unlawful arrest, threat to life, destruction/confistication /seizure of property, abuse of office and extra judicial killings.
He further called on all stakeholders to actively get involved in the implementation of the legal framework and extant laws of the country that protects the rights of citizen.
NHRC Asks State Government to Immediately Pay Compensation to SARS Victims
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPA) Lagos Command has arrested three suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking operation and successfully rescued two teenage girls who were being trafficked to Libya for prostitution.
Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at 8:20 AM on March 7, officers of a tactical team based in Amuwo-Odofin received credible intelligence about the illegal movement of two underage girls via Kano State.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of special operatives intercepted the traffickers at Bokori Park, Kano State, where the victims, Ikimot Moruf (17 years old) and Rodiot Jelili (15 years old), were rescued unharmed.
Following the interception, three suspects were tracked and arrested in their hideout at No. 12/22 Akintunde Street, Alakuko, Lagos. The suspects were identified as: Yakubu Arise, Kalimot Moruf and Musilyat Balogun 54 years old.
The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
National News
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
By: Michael Mike
In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
The launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders which took place in London on Tuesday, represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border
creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development. Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.”
It revealed that a Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,fashion, and arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika,, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs Adedayo Ayoade, said:“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian
governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
National News
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.
The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.
“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.
While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.
Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.
ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.
He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
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