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Stakeholders Call for Synergy in Protection of Human Rights

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Stakeholders Call for Synergy in Protection of Human Rights

By: Michael Mike

A call has been made on all relevant organisations to work in synergy to ensure maximum protection of civilians and human rights in the country

The call was made on Tuesday by stakeholders at a two-day workshop and photo exhibition in Abuja, which also coincided with the celebration of the Center for Civilian in Conflict (CIVIC) at 20 years.

The event which was put together by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CIVIC and the European Union (EU), the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said the Commission and other stakeholders have worked on, and submitted to the Federal Government, a draft Policy on the Protection of Civilians.

Ojukwu explained that: “This policy is aimed at addressing all issues related to the protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of civilians as well as remedial and accountability measures for perpetrators of violence and human rights violations”

He noted that the draft policy seeks to protect civilians in conflicts, reduce or eliminate civilian harm through planning and early warning assessment of civilian harm during and after operations, harm acknowledgment, and remedial service provision.

He said; “We are hoping that in response to the upsurge in violence, the new administration will approve this policy. The NHRC commits to playing a leading role in the implementation of this policy and to ensure that all stakeholders play their parts in the protection of civilians.”,

He also said the major outcome of this workshop is the drafting of a policy brief on the Rights-based Approach to the Protection of Civilians in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Options which will serve as a roadmap for the new administration and heads of security agencies for the protection of civilians in Nigeria.

Ojukwu thanked the Centre for Civilians in Conflict and the European Union for their support in hosting the event even as he congratulated CIVIC on its 20th anniversary “for which we are today launching a photo exhibition on the works of CIVIC in the North East”.

The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba said that the Ministry is committed to working with stakeholders towards addressing the challenges of civilians in conflict-related areas such as gender-based violence, recruitment of child soldiers, abduction, early/forced marriages, and sex slavery.

Agba, who was represented by a Senior Staff of the Ministry, Ms. Jamila Akaaga Ade said that recently a handover Protocol was signed by the Federal Government with the United Nations and the Lake Chad Basin region to reaffirm the government commitment to prevent or reduce the detention of children encountered by military and security forces during armed conflicts.

The Country Director of CIVIC, Dr. Benson Olugbuo in his opening remarks regretted that over 2.2 million people have lost their lives as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, adding that in the aftermath of the conflict, many schools were closed and several women and children displaced.

He therefore urged the government and other stakeholders to consider a renewed and holistic approach to protecting civilians in conflict, which will among other things build trust and confidence among civilians affected by conflicts.

He also commended the efforts of the NHRC in playing a leading role in the development of the National Action Plan which touches on the overall strategy to bring about an all-round development and human rights protection in the Country.

Stakeholders Call for Synergy in Protection of Human Rights

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Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

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Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

By Zagazola Makama

The brutal assault of a young woman, Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman, and her sisters at the Katsina Hisbah office on April 15 has triggered widespread outrage and drawn fresh attention to the conduct of the state’s religious enforcement agency.

Eyewitnesses say Hauwa’u had gone to the Hisbah office to inquire about relatives allegedly detained by the operatives. What began as a simple inquiry reportedly ended in violence, as she was assaulted by about 20 Hisbah personnel, resulting in serious injuries, including a fracture. Her sisters, who were present and pleaded with the operatives to stop the attack, were also allegedly beaten and subjected to degrading treatment.

The shocking incident has once again raised concerns over the operational methods and legal limitations of Hisbah in Katsina State. While the agency is mandated to enforce moral standards under Sharia principles, critics argue that its operatives often act outside the bounds of the Nigerian constitution and without adherence to due process.

Legal experts say that although Hisbah is legally recognized under state law, it remains obligated to operate within the confines of the Nigerian legal framework. The growing number of complaints about unlawful raids, arbitrary arrests, and use of physical punishment without judicial oversight has led to calls for a comprehensive review of its operations.

Civic groups and legal observers in Katsina cite this latest incident as part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses allegedly carried out by Hisbah. They allege that the agency disproportionately targets young people, women, and the poor under vague pretexts such as “immoral gatherings” or “suspicious behavior.”

The Katsina State Government has yet to issue an official response to the incident. However, increasing public pressure is mounting for a full-scale investigation and disciplinary actions against any operatives found culpable. The absence of formal law enforcement training, lack of investigative procedures, and limited understanding of suspects’ rights are being pointed out as contributing factors to Hisbah’s alleged misconduct.

In a related development, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the assault, describing it as “lawless and callous.” The organization called on the Katsina State Government to immediately investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable.

“Suspected Hisbah operatives that played a role in the assault on Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman and her sisters must be identified and tried for gross violation of human rights,” Amnesty said in a statement.

The human rights group also alleged that the Hisbah in Katsina has routinely violated citizens’ rights through illegal raids and arbitrary punishments, particularly targeting women and youths. It warned that the unchecked actions of the agency were fostering a climate of fear and impunity.

“Hisbah cannot operate outside of the law. Failure of the Katsina State Government to subject Hisbah to legal accountability breeds and perpetuates impunity, creating a toxic climate of fear,” Amnesty added.

As the dust settles on this disturbing incident, the state faces renewed demands for regulatory clarity, institutional reform, and justice for the victims. For many observers, this case could be a turning point in how religious law enforcement is balanced with the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.

Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

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Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

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Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

By Zagazola Makama

A 30-year-old herder, Muazu Anaruwa, was killed and 40 cows rustled by suspected bandits in Kogon Dutse village, Old Muri district of Taraba State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident, which occurred on April 22, came to light after Muazu’s father, Alhaji Audu Anaruwa, reported that his son had gone out to graze their cattle but failed to return home.

Police operative later discovered Muazu’s body in the grazing area, bearing what appeared to be a bullet wound, while all the livestock were missing.

Local sources described the attack as a case of banditry and cattle rustling. The body of the deceased was evacuated to the Primary Healthcare Centre in Andami, where a medical officer confirmed his death.

He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Police say efforts are ongoing within the local security network, including hunters and vigilantes, to track the perpetrators and recover the stolen cattle.

Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

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Three suspects arrested in Plateau, firearm recovered

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Three suspects arrested in Plateau, firearm recovered

By Zagazola Makama

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspected and recovered a locally fabricated pistol during a raid in Jos on April 22.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the arrest followed credible intelligence received by the Anglo Jos Division’s surveillance team, which led to the capture of Michael Jimoh, 26, Pam Davou, 37, and Ibrahim Isuwa, 35. The suspects were apprehended at around 10:30 p.m.

During a search, officers recovered a locally made pistol, which was loaded with one cartridge, from the suspects’ possession. The police did not specify the exact location of the arrest.

Sources said that the suspects are currently in police custody, and investigation into the case is ongoing.

Three suspects arrested in Plateau, firearm recovered

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