News
NHRC, NGO Calls for Abolition of Death Penalty for Female
NHRC, NGO Calls for Abolition of Death Penalty for Female
By: Michael Mike
Hope Behind Bars Africa, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has called for the abolition of death penalty for the female in the country.
The call was made during a validation meeting on research findings organized by Hope Behind Bars Africa in collaboration with the NHRC.
The Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye, called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and stronger protection for women facing the death penalty, describing capital punishment as “the most irreversible form of human rights violation.”
Adeoye made the call in Abuja during an event commemorating the World Day Against the Death Penalty, organised in partnership with the NHRC, the Legal Aid Council, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, with support from the Australian High Commission, the Embassy of Belgium, and the French Embassy.
She commended the NHRC for its consistent collaboration over the years, noting that the Commission has remained a steadfast ally in advancing the rights of vulnerable individuals across the country.
Reflecting on her organisation’s work, Adeoye explained that Hope Behind Bars Africa has spent the past seven years tackling systemic injustices within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“As an organisation, we have focused on ensuring access to justice for the most vulnerable. We have supported the reduction of pretrial detainees, advocated for fair trials, and provided legal aid to indigent inmates. But among all forms of human rights violations, the death penalty stands out because it is permanent. If an innocent person is imprisoned, there’s always a chance to correct that wrong. But once someone is executed, that mistake can never be undone,” she said.
She revealed that her organisation, with support from the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, recently conducted research into the experiences of women on death row across Nigeria, uncovering deep-rooted gender discrimination within the justice system.
The research was led by Ms. Ogechi Ogu and Professor Ibrahim Bello ,conducted in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission, and supported by the French Development Agency, exposes how women on death row face compounded injustices rooted in gender discrimination, poverty, and weak access to justice.
“Our findings show that women in the criminal justice system face intersecting forms of discrimination. Because there are fewer women in detention, their needs are often ignored. The system is patriarchal by design ,it was not built with women in mind and that means their cases, their mental health, and even their rehabilitation receive little attention,” she said.
According to the study, Nigeria’s plural legal system comprising statutory, customary, and Sharia laws creates inconsistencies in justice delivery, particularly for women. Although they constitute a minority of death row inmates, their experiences reveal systemic inequalities in investigation, trial, and sentencing.
The study, which surveyed 60 women on death row across 10 states, found that 47 percent were aged 18–35, while over one-third had no formal education. Most were mothers and primary caregivers, meaning their incarceration causes severe family and social disruption.
Many worked in low-income, informal jobs such as trading, catering, or farming before imprisonment, reflecting their economic vulnerability.
Structural factors like gender-based violence, forced marriage, and economic dependency were found to heavily influence the women’s pathways to crime and conviction. Over a third had experienced domestic abuse or coercion, and in some cases, their offences were directly linked to self-defence or abuse-related trauma.
Within the justice system, 75 percent of the women did not understand the laws under which they were charged, 85 percent felt the law was unfair to women, and more than half described their trials as non-transparent. A significant number noted that the male-dominated judicial structure negatively affected their cases.
The report also highlighted the severe stigma and abandonment faced by women after conviction, especially in cases involving adultery or domestic disputes.
Many inmates’ children suffered disrupted education, unstable care, and psychological trauma as a result of their mothers’ incarceration.
Most women viewed the death penalty as unfair and ineffective, with over 80 percent preferring rehabilitation-based alternatives such as imprisonment with vocational training and psychosocial support.
Adeoye disclosed that when the group wrote to the Nigerian Correctional Service seeking approval to carry out the study, records showed about 85 women on death row nationwide. The goal, she said, was to document their experiences and gather evidence to inform justice reforms.
Turning to recent developments, Adeoye applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant pardons to some death row inmates, calling it a step in the right direction and also acknowledging that for over nine years Nigeria has not executed prisoners sentenced to death.
“We are grateful to the President for exercising his constitutional powers under Section 175 to grant pardons. But we must also be honest: issues of power and privilege often shape who gets mercy. Take the case of Miriam Sander she had good lawyers and a story that made headlines. Many of the women we work with don’t have that luxury. Some never met their lawyers before trial, and others were represented by under-resourced legal aid officers who simply couldn’t manage capital cases. These women are the forgotten ones,” she said.
Adeoye concluded by reaffirming Hope Behind Bars Africa’s commitment to continue advocating for fairer trials, humane treatment, and reform within Nigeria’s justice system.
“Today’s event is not just about marking the World Day Against the Death Penalty. It is a reminder that justice must serve everyone equally, not only those with power or visibility. We want this research and our advocacy to spark a movement that restores dignity and hope to people who have been written off by society. Our goal is simple: a justice system that values life, fairness, and redemption,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), represented by Harry Obe, emphasized that the death penalty has failed to deliver justice or deter crime.
He aligned with the global theme for the year, “The Death Penalty Protects No One,” to stress that executions do not make societies safer, nor do they address the root causes of criminal behavior.
“Evidence from around the world, and indeed from our own context here in Nigeria, shows that the death penalty does not truly protect anyone. It has not significantly deterred crime and often fails to address the underlying causes of violence and insecurity. Justice should be restorative rather than retributive, and the protection of human dignity must be central to our legal and penal systems,” he said.
Dr. Ojukwu stressed the NHRC’s firm position that justice must aim to rehabilitate rather than destroy lives.
The NHRC expressed worry about the growing trend of new laws proposing capital punishment for certain offences, calling such moves “counterproductive” and contrary to current global human rights conversations.
“In our monthly Human Rights Situation Dashboard, we raised concerns over the resurgence of capital punishment in proposed legislations. These include the Edo State Secret Cult Law 2025 and the NAFDAC Bill prescribing the death penalty for the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit medicines. While these measures may appear politically expedient, they are ultimately counterproductive and risk diverting attention from the structural reforms our justice system truly needs,” he noted.
He urged policymakers to focus on preventive justice, social reform, and accountability instead of relying on punitive laws that perpetuate violence.
Dr. Ojukwu acknowledged Nigeria’s informal moratorium on executions over the last decade, describing it as an encouraging step toward the eventual abolition of the death penalty.
“It is noteworthy that Nigeria has observed a de facto moratorium on executions for over ten years. Despite the continued issuance of death sentences, no executions have been carried out during this period. This restraint, though informal, reflects a growing recognition of the need for more humane and effective approaches to justice delivery in Nigeria,” he remarked.
He encouraged the government to formalize this moratorium and take steps toward abolishing the death penalty in line with international human rights standards.
A major highlight of the meeting was the validation of the research on gender and the death penalty in Nigeria, which revealed how women, especially those from marginalized communities, face compounded discrimination in the justice process from investigation to sentencing.
“This research brings to light the unique experiences and vulnerabilities faced by women and gender minorities within our criminal justice system. It shows that women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, suffer compounded injustices from biased investigations to inadequate legal representation and sentencing disparities that often go unnoticed,” he explained.
He commended Hope Behind Bars Africa and its partners for their commitment to uncovering these realities and promoting gender-sensitive justice.
“Today’s gathering allows us to validate this important study, strengthen its recommendations, and advance advocacy for a justice system that upholds human rights for all. Let us remember that the death penalty does not protect society
it silences voices and undermines the very justice it claims to serve,” he said.
NHRC, NGO Calls for Abolition of Death Penalty for Female
Doma United secure NPFL promotion with win over Mighty Jets
Doma United Football Club of Gombe State have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a 2-0 victory over Mighty Jets of Jos at the Pantami Stadium on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Doma United, who top Conference C of the Nigeria National League (NNL) with 26 points from 13 matches, are the first team to seal promotion to the NPFL.
The club, relegated from the NPFL in the 2023/2024 season, are five points clear of second-placed FC Basira in Conference C, with one match remaining.
NAN reports that the 2025/2026 NNL season is organised into four conferences (A, B, C and D), with the top team in each conference earning automatic promotion to the NPFL, replacing the previous Super 8 play-off format.
Confirming the development, Doma United Technical Adviser, Najib Mabu, told NAN in Gombe on Thursday that the team had secured promotion with a game in hand.
Mabu described the journey as smooth but challenging, noting that the return to the top flight means a lot to the club and sports stakeholders in the state.
“This is huge and we are very happy that we are back.
“We will start welcoming top clubs to Gombe State again.
“I want to commend the Chief Executive Officer of Doma United, Alhaji Suleiman Umar, for his consistent support and commitment to the club.
“I also thank our players and fans for their resilience and dedication, which have paid off,” he said.
Mabu added that the club’s ambition in the NPFL goes beyond participation, expressing confidence in competing for honours and securing a continental ticket.
“We are not just going to participate in the NPFL; we will compete for every available title.
“I am confident we can secure a continental ticket,” he said.
NAN reports that Doma United will be making their second appearance in the NPFL, after recording eight wins, two draws and three losses in the current NNL campaign.
Doma United secure NPFL promotion with win over Mighty Jets
News
Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria
Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The enduring partnership between the United Nations and Lions Clubs International took centre stage in Abuja on Thursday as stakeholders gathered to celebrate Lions Day with the United Nations, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing humanitarian service, sustainable development, and peace.
The event, held at the United Nations House, brought together Lion leaders, development partners, civil society actors, and representatives of UN agencies to reflect on decades of collaboration and explore ways to deepen partnerships in addressing global and local challenges.
Speaking at the gathering, the Multiple Council Chairperson of Lions in Nigeria, Lion (Dr.) Ibrahim Jide Bello, described the celebration as a powerful symbol of the long-standing relationship between the UN and the global service organisation.
According to him, the partnership dates back to 1945 when Lions leaders contributed to discussions around the formation of the United Nations and the framework for civil society engagement.
He noted that for more than a century, Lions worldwide have remained committed to humanitarian service guided by their motto, “We Serve,” with volunteers supporting initiatives in health, education, food security, environmental protection, disaster response, and youth development.
Bello said community-based organisations such as Lions play a vital role in translating global development commitments into tangible results at the grassroots.
“While the United Nations provides global leadership and frameworks for action, Lions translate those ideals into practical impact within communities where change truly begins,” he said.
He added that collaboration between institutions, civil society, and volunteers remains essential in tackling pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, health inequalities, and climate change.
Also speaking, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i.) of the United Nations in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described Lions Day with the United Nations as one of the most enduring examples of cooperation between civil society and the global multilateral body.
Attafuah, representing by the Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Beatrice Eyong, noted that Lions Clubs International has maintained consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1947, enabling the organisation to contribute community perspectives to global policy discussions.
Attafuah said the partnership between Lions and the United Nations reflects a shared mission to promote peace, expand educational opportunities, reduce poverty, strengthen health systems, and support vulnerable communities across the world.
She highlighted that Lions have worked closely with UN agencies including UNICEF, World Health Organization, and UNESCO in implementing humanitarian and development programmes.
According to her, the collaboration remains increasingly important at a time when the world faces complex challenges ranging from climate change and migration to public health crises and rising insecurity.
Attafuah stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is still possible if governments, civil society organisations, and volunteers intensify cooperation and focus on key development priorities.
She explained that the United Nations has identified six major transition pathways to accelerate progress on the goals, including improvements in education, digital connectivity, food systems, energy access and affordability, job creation and social protection, as well as climate and environmental action.
The UN official also emphasised the central role of gender equality, noting that empowering women and ensuring their participation in leadership and decision-making remain critical to achieving sustainable development and building peaceful societies.
“Peace, development, and human rights cannot be fully realised without women leading and shaping solutions,” she said.
Both speakers called for stronger partnerships between international institutions and grassroots organisations, stressing that volunteer-driven initiatives can complement global frameworks and policies by delivering practical solutions in communities.
Participants at the event also highlighted the potential of countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, to drive innovation and locally driven solutions in addressing development challenges.
They noted that volunteers, community leaders, and civil society groups remain key actors in mobilising citizens, promoting social responsibility, and supporting development initiatives that directly improve lives.
The annual Lions Day with the United Nations celebration provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and renewed commitment to humanitarian service, while recognising the critical role of civil society organisations in supporting global development efforts.
Speakers at the event urged individuals and organisations to continue promoting compassion, service, and collective action, stressing that meaningful change often begins with small but deliberate steps taken within communities.
Meanwhile, the keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Hussaini Abdu said women must move from the margins to the centre of peacebuilding and security governance in Nigeria if the country hopes to achieve lasting stability.
He insisted that: “Empowering women to lead in peace and security processes is not only a matter of fairness but a strategic necessity for sustainable peace.”
Abdu who was former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria and Plan International, reflecting on Nigeria’s prolonged security challenges, noted that communities across the country have endured insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts for decades, lamenting that: “These crises have pushed many communities deeper into vulnerability and strained the resilience of institutions,” but: “Yet within these fragile contexts, women have remained central to sustaining communities and building peace.”
He highlighted that everyday the roles played by women in stabilising communities affected by conflict are often overlooked, stating that: “Across different regions, women have mediated disputes, sustained families under extreme conditions, organised grassroots humanitarian responses, and rebuilt trust within fractured communities.”
He stressed that despite their contributions, women remain underrepresented in formal peace and security structures. “Women are invited to the table, but they are rarely placed in positions where they can shape decisions,” she said, adding that meaningful peace requires women to participate not just symbolically but with real influence.
He pointed to structural barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in leadership and governance. “Women are not absent because they lack competence,” she said. “They are excluded because the system was not designed to include them.”
Calling for deeper reforms, he urged stakeholders to rethink power structures in governance and security institutions. “If we are serious about peace, we must be serious about power,” adding that: “A safer Nigeria cannot be built on exclusion or symbolic representation. It must be built on justice, inclusive leadership, and shared responsibility.”
Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria
News
Court orders arrest of Tanimu Turaki For Giving False Information To Police …fixes April 22 for arraignment
Court orders arrest of Tanimu Turaki For Giving False Information To Police …fixes April 22 for arraignment
By: Michael Mike
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the self-appointed factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN).
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the arrest warrant on Thursday after Turaki failed to attend court for the purpose of his being arraigned on a one count criminal charge brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.
When the case was called on Thursday, lawyer to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu said the business of the court for the day was for Turaki to enter his plea to the charge.
The count in the charge, marked: CR/647/2026 reads:
That you Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN), male, No: 37 T. Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja on or about 5th October, 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court you gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via petition dated 5th October, 2022 and signed by you on your letter head paper against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to use the lawful power of Inspector-General of Police to the injury or annoyance of the said Muhammed Mainasara and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
Turaki’s lawyer, Rabiu noted that the defendant was absent in court despite being served with the charge and also served with a hearing notice by the court, informing him about the day’s proceedings.
The lawyer to the prosecution then invoked the provision of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 to urge the court to issue an arrest warrant for the defendant to be produced before the court for the purpose of his arraignment.
Rabiu faulted the reference by the defence lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN) to a motion he filed for the defendant, seeking that the charge be quashed.
He argued that the defence could only challenge the validity of the charge only after the plea of the defendant has been taken.
Ibrahim argued otherwise and urged the court to give him five more days to file written addresses to convince the court that the defendant’s presence was not required until the motion was determined.
Ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that despite being aware of the day’s proceedings having been served with hearing notice and the charge, it was wrong for Turaki to fail to attend court without providing any reason.
The judge noted that the defence lawyer did not deny that his client was served with hearing notice of Thursday’s proceedings, but failed to provide any reason why the defendant was not in court.
Justice Kekemeke held that by the provision of Section 396(2) ACJA 2015 where a defendant, who is aware that a charge is pending against him in court but chose to stay away, the proper order to be made is for bench warrant to ensure the production of the defendant to answer to the charge.
The judge held that the motion filed by the defendant seeking the quashing of the charge was not ripe for hearing, adding that such a motion could only be heard after the defendant’s plea had been taken.
He proceeded to issue a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest to compel the defendant to attend court to answer to the pending charge and adjourned till April 22 for his arraignment.
Court orders arrest of Tanimu Turaki For Giving False Information To Police …fixes April 22 for arraignment
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Doma United secure NPFL promotion with win over Mighty Jets
Lions, United Nations Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development and Community Service in Nigeria
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