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NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

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NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has identified hate speech as a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu gave the description on Wednesday in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence”, invites us to examine the growing intersection between technology and human rights. It challenges us to reflect on the double-edged nature of AI as both a tool for development and a potential amplifier of harmful narratives, including hate speech.

He said: “As the lead institution charged with the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asserts the intricate relationship between hate speech and human rights. In its base form, hate speech seems to be an illustration of the freedom of expression. However, in its impact, hate speech is a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.”

He added that: “The National Human Rights Commission remains deeply concerned about the rising spread of hate speech, particularly as it takes new and more dangerous forms through digital technologies powered by artificial intelligence. Hate speech is not just a threat to individual dignity, it is a direct attack on democratic value and social cohesion. It violates the right to dignity of the human person, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to participate in public life without fear of suppression or violence.”

He noted that some of the significant steps taken over the years by the NHRC to confront hate speech and its multi-polar challenges include: “In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the Commission launched the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) Project, which focused on promoting access, participation, and accountability. Recognising the toxic role of hate speech in electoral processes, the MOVE Project identified it as a major obstacle to voter inclusion.

“The Commission established the National Hate Speech Register to record incidents and trends across the country, allowing for real-time documentation and response.

“We have conducted specialized training for our staff nationwide to monitor and report hate speech across both traditional and digital media.

“In recognising the centrality of the media in combating hate speech, the Commission issued anAdvisory on the Role of Media in Countering and Reporting Hate Speech, recognising the powerful influence of the media and the need to strengthen responsible journalism.

“In April 2025, the NHRC issued a major Advisory Opinion on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, in response to concerns about the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, particularly Section 24 which was criticized for restricting freedom of expression.”

He decried that: “the challenge before us today extends beyond traditional platforms. Artificial Intelligence especially in its generative form is reshaping the way information is produced, consumed, and disseminated. The same technologies that empower innovation can also be exploited to generate, amplify, and target hate speech with unprecedented speed and reach. This scenario portends dangers for the enjoyment of the right to privacy as guaranteed by section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Through algorithmic targeting, manipulated images, deepfakes, and automated bots, hateful and discriminatory narratives can now be crafted and circulated far more efficiently, often bypassing existing regulatory frameworks. If not addressed, these technologies can incite violence, and reinforce dangerous stereotypes.”

He however promised that: “As we move forward, the NHRC is expanding its work in this area by exploring AI-based tools that support early detection of hate speech and misinformation, partnering with tech platforms and regulatory bodies to encourage transparency in algorithmic content moderation and to demand accountability where violations occur.Additionally, developing a national framework for the ethical use of AI and digital technologies in line with human rights principles, particularly as it concerns youth engagement, elections, and social media governance.”
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NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

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Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community

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Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, undertook a working visit to Diffa Region of Niger Republic on Wednesday.

The visit, which included a high-level security and economic delegation, focused on strengthening the existing collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, particularly around the shores of Lake Chad.

Diffa is a community 17 km from Damasak town in northern Borno where thousands of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram insurgency are currently taking refuge.

Zulum was received by the Governor of Diffa, Brigadier General Mahamaduo Ibrahim Bagadoma, and other senior officials. The leaders held closed-door meetings centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds.

Zulum outlined plan to leverage the improved security situation to facilitate the return of thousands of displaced farmers to the vast and fertile agricultural lands around Dutchi town within the Lake Chad basin.

Part of the Governor’s entourage are Engr Bukar Talba, a member of the House of Representatives, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, and otheir senior government officials.

Trans-Border Security: Zulum travels to Niger Republic Community

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Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue

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Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected bandit was neutralised by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke during a gun battle in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, on Tuesday, but stray bullets mistakenly hit three students, killing one.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.

The source said trouble started when the patrol team sighted some suspected bandits on a motorcycle carrying firearms.

“On sighting the troops, the hoodlums opened fire. The soldiers immediately engaged them in a gun duel. In the exchange of fire, one of the hoodlums was shot dead, while others escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.

“Unfortunately, three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka, who were closing from school at the time, were hit by stray bullets. One female student was later confirmed dead by a doctor at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment,” the source explained.

The corpse of the neutralised bandit was also deposited at the NKST Hospital Mortuary.

Military sources confirmed the incident, stressing that the troops only acted in self-defence after being fired upon by the armed hoodlums.

He described the death of the student as an unfortunate accident, assuring that efforts would be made to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

Zagazola reports that news of the incident triggered a violent protest in Jato-Aka town, as angry youths took to the streets and set ablaze the office of the traditional ruler, Mue Ter.

The Police o confirmed the incident, saying personnel and operatives of the Police Mobile Force were deployed to the area to restore calm.

“The situation has been brought under control and normalcy has returned, but monitoring and patrols are ongoing to forestall further breakdown of law and order,”said the sources.

Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to residents of Jato-Aka to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the incident continue.

Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue

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Federal Commissioner PCC visits CP Borno on strategic synergy for better engagement

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Federal Commissioner PCC visits CP Borno on strategic synergy for better engagement

By: Our Reporter

The Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Borno State, Hon. Yusuf Adamu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP N. ABDULMAJID, to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in addressing public complaints and enhancing community policing.

Hon. Adamu congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and thanked him for the immediate attention given to complaints. He said:

“The synergy between the Commission and the Police is vital. We urge the Command to continue to be proactive in handling cases, especially those related to drugs, which are fueling vices such as TikTok and other cybercrime in schools.”

He also urged the Police Command to work closely with community leaders, parents, schools, and religious institutions to address drug abuse among children and young adults. He further linked the PCC’s forthcoming 50th Anniversary to the importance of psychosocial support and thanked the Police Commissioner for assigning an officer to liaise with the PCC in the enforcement unit.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police commended the PCC for consistently referring prosecutable cases to the Police. He assured:

“The same cooperation I experienced with the Commission in my former command will be replicated in Borno. We shall continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders to ensure that complaints are addressed and cases within the PCC’s powers referred for effective investigation.”

He added that community policing had come to stay and would involve community leaders, market women, imams, and parents. He also called for regulation of social media misuse, while urging the PCC to intensify enlightenment of citizens.

The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of the PCC’s Act and mandate, and a group photograph.

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