Author: Edith Nwapi

Alleged attempted murder: Trial of 20 ex-PTD members begins

Trial
By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday began the trial of 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) charged with attempted murder.

The former union leaders, including a one-time National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu in the suit, marked: CR/042/202.

They are charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault by the office of the Attorney general of the Federation.

Also charged are Dayyabu  Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.

Others are  Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.

The union members were alleged to have attacked NUPENG President, Wiliams Akporeha; General Secretary, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

The NUPENG members were particularly alleged to have acted “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on Nov. 1.

In the suit, the defendants were further accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel David Kaswe told the court that his five witnesses were in court.

The first prosecution witness, Olawale Afolabi testified as PW1 told the court that he is the general secretary, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG).

Led in evidence by Kaswe, he narrated how the defendants laid siege at the PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on Nov. 1.

He alleged that he was beaten and left unconscious by the defendants.

”When I gained consciousness the next day, I found myself in Zankli hospital, Abuja.

“I suffered  severe injuries. I was afraid for my life and safety at the hospital. I had to leave for another hospital,” he said.

The witness said he was taken to the police station on Nov. 2, 2023. where he made a statement and was taken to the Police hospital services for further treatment.

Kaswe tendered the hospital reports and patient’s cards of the two hospitals, also that of Emmanuel Eye Care services and Dental clinic appointment card which were later admitted in evidence.

Also admitted was the petition written to the police on Nov. 2, 2023.

Being cross examined by the defendants counsel, Benson Igbanoi, the witness said he arrived in Abuja for official duty from Lagos, where he resides.

When asked if there was election a day before he arrived Abuja, he answered in the affirmative adding there were three elections, in Ibadan, Warri and Port Harcourt and that they have 150 branches.

When asked if he was aware of the National Industrial court judgment, he said yes.

Answering how he was able to recognise those who attacked him, he said:” that I lost consciousness does not mean I lost my memory ‘

He said he doesn’t remember the name of the doctor who treated him in the  hospital.

Meanwhile, Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned until Oct 10 for continuation of trial.

He however, said that the defendants should remain on the bail granted them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Court dismisses Lawyer’s N20bn suit against Garki Hospital, 2 others

Dismissal

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory,( FCT) High Court, Nyanya has dismissed a N20 billion suit instituted by a legal practitioner, Ejumejowo Anthony against Garki Hospital and two others.

Others are NISAPremier Hospital and the FCT Minister for alleged negligence which he claimed led to his wife’s death.

Justice Edward Okpe dismissed the suit for lack of merit and substance.

Anthony who claimed to be a human rights activist had slammed the N20bn suit marked FCT/HC/CV/2866/2021 against Garki Hospital, NISA as 1st to 3rd defendants.

He accused them jointly of negligence in the manner his wife, Eloho died on Oct. 5, 2019, 21 days after childbirth.

He sued the three defendants on behalf of himself and his three children, Eru-Oghene, David and Evawere.

Among others, they jointly demanded a N20 billion from the defendants as compensation and damages for the death of his wife due to alleged gross negligence by Garki Hospital, Abuja.

The claimants prayed the court for declarations as follows:

“That the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants are vicariously liable for the negligence of the doctors of the 1st defendant, an order directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to pay to them the sum of ten billion naira only as general damages for the emotional trauma caused by the death of Elohor  occasioned by the negligent conduct of the doctors of the 1st defendant.

“An order of court directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to pay to the claimants the sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (five billion naira) only as special damages for the emotional trauma caused by the death of Elohor  occasioned by the negligent conduct of the doctors of the 1st defendant.

“An order of court directing the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants to pay to the claimants the sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (five billion naira) only as exemplary damages for the emotional trauma caused by the death of Elohor  occasioned by the negligent conduct of the doctors of the 1st defendant.”

However, after reviewing evidence of the claimants and the defendants, Justice Okpe agreed with Nekabari Annah, counsel for Garki Hospital that the claimants failed woefully to discharge the burden of proof of their allegations to be entitled to the huge sums they claimed.

The Judge held that while Garki Hospital (1st) defendant, called three medical experts who testified and gave vivid account of how the deceased was managed till she delivered her baby, the lawyer gave a layman’s evidence that has no probate value.

Okpe held that while the hospital established that the deceased visited the hospital 23 times for antenatal care that led to her successful baby delivery, the claimants did not dispute or call medical experts to refute the robust evidence of the hospital.

The judge held that the failure by the claimants to call medical personnel to give evidence to help their case was a costly one adding that they played into the hands of the three defendants.

He also held that the report of a 14-man panel of consultants set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN), which did not establish a prima facie case against Garki Hospital was not challenged by the claimants thereby making their case to be unreliable.

The judge held that the 28 days opportunity opened to the claimants to challenge the clean bill of health issued by MDCN to Garki Hospital was also not explored at the Court of Appeal to prove their allegation of negligence.

Justice Okpe therefore agreed with Garki Hospital’s counsel that the evidence of Dr Adamu Onu, the Medical Director was cogent and reliable.

He added to the effect that the deceased was professionally managed till she delivered her baby and that the hospital has facilities and personnel competent to manage the deceased.

IThe Judge further held that the allegations of negligence by the lawyer was to harass and intimidate the hospital which he said acted in line with the best practice in the medical profession.

He also dismissed another allegation that the deceased was induced to deliver through the virginal instead of a caesarean operation adding that all the claimants adduced before him were mere sentiments that have no place in law.

He subsequently dismissed the suit in its entirety and discharged both Nisa Premier Hospital and the Minister of the FCT because they were wrongly joined as parties in the suit.

Justice Okpe also dismissed the counter claim of the Garki Hospital that it was defamed through false media reports allegedly instigated by the claimants.

The N250M demanded as compensation for the defamation was rejected by the Judge on the ground that the defamation was not properly established as required by law.

Anthony had filed a civil action of negligence for the death of his wife at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory against Nisa Garki Hospital, Abuja and the two other parties after the death of his wife shortly after child birth in 2019.

Elohim died on Oct. 5, 2019, at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, due to what the husband described as “gross negligence” on the part of doctors and management of Garki Hospital.

The issue was earlier entertained by a panel set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, sometimes in September 2023 in Abuja.

The findings of the panel did not go down well with Anthony. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng )

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Alleged procurement fraud: Court adjourns Emefiele’ trial until Oct. 22

Emefiele

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned until Oct. 21 for continuation of the trial of the suspended governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele over alleged procurement fraud.

Emefiele is charged with alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

Specifically, the EFCC alleged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on Feb. 8, 2023 knowingly obtain, by false pretence, 6.2 million dollars by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Presidential directive.”

Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned until Oct. 21 after hearing from the testimony of the 9th prosecution witness (PW9).

He further adjourned until July 8 for hearing of Emefiele ‘s application seeking for the release of his passport to enable him attend to medical appointments.

Earlier, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, brought two witnesses PW8 and PW9.

Umar Tilde the 8th prosecution witness (PW8) works with Zenith Bank as Compliance Office.

He told the court that EFCC, requested for account opening documents, statement of account, and certificate of identification for the account of Emefiele

” We responded by submitting the requested documents to the EFCC.

The documents from Zenith Bank, account statement of the defendant and certificate of identification were all admitted in evidence and marked as: Exhibits ED1, ED2 & ED3.

On whether Emefiele had only one account with the bank, he said the letter from the EFCC had different account numbers.

” We responded based on the account numbers supplied,” he said.

The prosecution 9th witness is
Mrs Abibia Ockiya-Ogeleye , a lawyer Principal Partner ,A & A Legal Consociate.

She handled the incorporation matters at the CAC for Architkun Nigeria Ltd.

According to the witness, prior to 2021, the company had two directors.

” I added one person, which is Madam Esther Oyeladun.

” There are three Directors- Omoile Makonbo, Omoile Margaret and Esther Oyeladun.”

The witness added that all she did was given to her by Esther Oyeladun.

After her testimony, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, Emefiele’s counsel told the court that, his client applied for the release of his passport to travel for a medical appointment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Emefiele awarded contracts to his wife,  brother-in-law- Witness tells court

Contract

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Mr Michael Agboro, a  prosecution seventh witness alleged that the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Godwin Emefiele awarded contracts to companies belonging to his wife and a his broher-in-law.

Emefiele is standing trial on an alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

The EFCC alledged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; ”April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd”.

Agboro, an investigator with the Independent, Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) who testified earlier was cross-examined further by Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN.

When asked if the defendant conferred unfair and corrupt advantage on himself, he answered :”he  conferred on Saadatu Yaro, who is a Public Officer working under him. He also conferred on his wife and brother-in-law.

When asked if Emefiele alone could award and approv contracts, he answered that the contracts were approved by the defendant.

Answering if there was no difference between CBN and Emefiele, he said :”the difference is that the defendant was an employee of CBN.

When asked if the defendant was a member of the tender’s board or procurement department, he said he did not know.

”We limited our investigation to him, his wife, relatives and associates.

”Our findings revealed that the defendant was not a director or shareholder or an account signatory in either April1616 limited or Architekon Nigeria limited.

He also admitted that there was no evidence of any payment made to Emefiele by these companies in the course of performing his duties at the CBN.

Also when asked if in the course of their investigation they interviewed people in the CBN to determine whether the two firms executed the jobs they were contracted to do, the witness said “yes”.

However, when asked if the team in their final report stated this fact, the witness said he could not recall if they did.

Agboro being led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN on Marrch 11 tendered several documents including company registration documents and award as well as payments for contract relating to the two forms.

He added that documents his team, comprising of persons drawn from the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Department of State Service (DSS), showed that while a Director of ”April 1616”, Yaro, is a Public Officer, with the CBN, Emefiele’s wife, Margaret Omoyile and his brother-in-law, Mac Congo were directors in Architekon.

Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter untilTuesda, for re-examination of the witness.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng )

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NHRC seeks stakeholders’ solidarity towards refugees plight

Commitment

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government and other duty bearers to show more commitments and solidarity towards protecting and supporting refugees.

This also include, migrants, Asylum seekers, stateless persons and internally displaced persons in order for them to rebuild their lives in dignity.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, stated this on Thursday in  Abuja at a media briefing to commemorate the  2024 World Refugees Day,

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Refugees Day is marked on June 20, annually.

NAN also reports that the day is marked to celebrate and honour refugees around the world and encourage the people, who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Ojukwu noted that refugees and other persons living in similar conditions deserve to be protected, bearing in mind that they were usually not the architects of their plights.

He added that they were victims of circumstances like insurgency, natural disasters, harsh economic conditions and human rights violations.

Ojukwu observed that the 2024 theme of the celebration, “Solidarity with Refugees” was a reminder to the fact that everyone needed support.

” A support and a home where basic needs for survival are met, not just a hostile environment which exposes one to different forms of human rights violations.

”There is need to build inclusive health systems and ensuring equitable care for refugees.

” It is imperative to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes or country against their wish due to conflicts or persecution” he said.

Ojukwu said it was necessary to map out solutions to resettle and help them to have a better livelihood.

” Nigeria has its fair share of this population of concern arising from communal clashes, banditry, farmers and herders’ clashes, Boko Haram among others ” he said.

According to Ojukwu, these have affected their rights to health care, education, employment, dignity of the human person, right to housing, land and property.

He added that, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR), World Refugee Day was a time to shine a light on the rights, dreams of refugees.

Ojukwu stated that the celebration help to mobilise the political will and resources to enable the refugees enjoy a new lease of life.

” As at May 2024, the UNHCR gave Nigerian statistics figures of refugees as 71,728, with refugee returnees at 27,725 which indicated that the Nigerian government needed to focus their attention on the plight of refugees.

”This will bring the numbers of refugees to the barest minimum.

” I am using this occasion to reaffirm the Commission’s steadfastness in advocating for the rights of refugees .

” I am also calling on government and stakeholders to do more in the protection of refugees and ensure that they are safely returned to their communities.

”This is as enshrined in the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Treaties” he said. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

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Judgment

by Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Supreme Court on Thursday, reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Federal Government against the governors of the 36 states of the federation over alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas.

Justice Garba Lawal, who led a seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court reserved judgment after all parties adopted their various written addresses earlier.

Lawal said the date for judgment will be communicated later.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had on behalf of the federal government sued the 36 states over the manner the governors are running the LGs funds.

In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF prayed the apex court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government executives.

Fagbemi in the originating summons is praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

He also sought an order of the apex court stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.

He applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the federation account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place.

Fagbemi asked the apex court to invoke sections 1, 4, 5, 7, and 14 of the constitution to declare that the state governors and State Houses of Assembly are under obligation to ensure a democratic system at the third tier of government.

The suit also wants the apex court to invoke the same sections to hold that the governors cannot lawfully dissolve democratically elected local government councils.

In a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by Kelechi Ohaeri from the AGF’s office, Fagbemi averred that filed the suit under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on behalf of the federal government.

The deponent asserted that local government system recognised by the constitution is a democratically elected local government council and that the amount due to local government councils from the federation account is to be paid to local government system recognised by the constitution.

That the governors represent the component states of the Federation with Executive Governors who have also sworn to uphold the Constitution and to, at all times, give effect to the Constitution, and that the Constitution, being the supreme law, has binding force all over the Federation of Nigeria.

Other prayers include: that the constitution of Nigeria recognises federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government, and that the three recognised tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the Federation Account created by the Constitution.

By the provisions of the Constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system, and the Constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than a democratically elected local government system.

In the face of the clear provisions of the Constitution, the governors have failed and refused to put in place a democratically elected local government system, even where no state of emergency has been declared to warrant the suspension of democratic institutions in the state.

The failure of the governors to put a democratically elected local government system in place is a deliberate subversion of the 1999 Constitution, which they and the President have sworn to uphold.

Fagbemi also said that all efforts to make the governors comply with the dictates of the 1999 Constitution in terms of putting in place a democratically elected local government system have not yielded any result.

The AGF said that the federal government continued to disburse funds from the Federation Account to the governors for non-existing democratically elected local governments to undermine the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution.

He averred that in the face of the violations of the 1999 Constitution, the federal government is not obligated, under Section 162 of the Constitution, to pay any state funds standing to the credit of local governments where no democratically elected local government is in place. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng )

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Alleged N2.8bn fraud: EFCC opens case against Sirika, others

Case
By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday in a Federal Capital Territory (FCT), High Court , Maitama opened its case of alleged N2.6 billion fraud against former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika and three others.

The EFCC dragged Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, for abuse of office and contract fraud.

They are standing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on a six counts.

At the hearing, Azubuike Okorie, a subpoenaed witness of the EFCC testified as the first witness, (PW1)

He said he was a retired staff of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, director, Procurement and Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister, Projects(2022-2023) and Chairman, Project Implementation Committee

When led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN the witness said as Special Assistant, he was responsible for monitoring and evaluating projects.

” The Project Implementation Committee ensures the execution of projects ”

When asked about what he knew about the contract to Al-Duraq Global Investment by Federal Ministry he said

” I was not involved in contracts and my committee is also not involved in awarding  contracts.

When asked to tell the court how he got exhibit tagged “List, 2021 Projects” he said

” These documents were the ones the then Minister asked me to send to the Permanent Secretary and I did that by making photocopies.

” Let me answer it this way, these documents were given to me, I was not there when he wrote on it but I will assume, it is the minister(Sirika) that wrote in red pen because only ministers write in red pen. ”

He said he saw N800 million against Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited and Apron Expansion and aware the contract was given to the above company.

He added that before a contract is awarded, the users agency, in this case, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), would have secured the land.

“Well, the team of the Project Implementation Committee came in contact with Al-Duraq in Kastina when we went for project monitoring and implementation at Kastina airport.

“When we got there, because we had a list of other contractors who were supposed to be on ground including Al-Duraq, we did not find any of them on site then.”

The witness further said that as of the time he left civil service in May 23, 2023 to the best of his knowledge, the contract was not executed.

When asked if he was aware that 100 per cent payment was made to the fourth defendant before he left office?

He told the court that he is only aware of the 30 per cent mobilisation fee paid to them.

He added that as Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, he was not involved in payments.

” As aformer director, what I know is that payments were made in stages,” he said

Jacobs told the court that, that was all for the witness.

Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN counsel for Sirika (1st defendant) told the court that the was  just served with the papers today and needed time to go through it.

” I beg let’s come back tomorrow.”

Mahmoud Magaji, SAN for Fatima (2nd defendant) Michael Numa, SAN for Al-Duraq Investment allied with him.

The prosecution counsel, Jacobs did not object to their prayer.

Justice Oriji then adjourned until Tuesday for cross examination and continuation of trial. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng )

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Rising cases of human rights violations worrisome — NHRC

Violations
By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed over the rising cases of human rights violations across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN expressed this concern on Friday when a report from the NHRC’s dashboard was presented.

According to Ojukwu the dashboard stands as a testament to the Commission ‘s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

” Over the past months, our teams in Abuja and across the 36 states have worked tirelessly to compile and analyse data from complaints received at the Commission and unreported human rights violations monitored across the country.

” These analyses not only shed light on the state of human rights in our nation, but also serves as a record of our progress and a guide for future action.

” This month’s edition features 55,218 complaints received by the Commission with violations against state actors topping the chart ” he said.

He noted that the violations recorded in the month of May impacted on an estimated 157,368 persons across the country based on their Victim Impact Analysis.

This he said is a distressing indication that despite their efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with upholding the law become violators of human rights.

” We must emphasize the importance of accountability and the reasonable use of force by law enforcement agencies. While it is essential to maintain law and order, it must be done in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of every individual.

” Any abuse of power or excessive force must be met with swift and impartial justice.Furthermore, we have observed a troubling increase in violations of economic, social, and cultural rights.

“These rights are the bedrock of human dignity and well-being, yet they continue to be disregarded in many parts of our country” he said.

“As the  data is presented we analyse it. Let us  not lose sight of the real people behind these statistics’

“It is incumbent upon the government to take concrete steps to address these violations and ensure that all citizens can enjoy their economic, social, and cultural rights without discrimination or impediment.

” This includes implementing policies that promote equitable access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.

” The month under review also witnesses significant and troublesome escalation in the activities of non-state armed groups across the country” he said.

He noted that the Human Rights Observatory recorded 298 killings and 360 abductions largely attributed to terrorists and bandit groups.

Ojukwu added that, the north west continues to be a region of concern for the Commission in this regards.

” We continue to see the worrisome trends of killings of men of our armed forces and the Police.

” This for us constitute a threat to security and the defence of human rights and we continue to call on all relevant authorities at state and national levels to stem this tide

” One of the fundamental principles of democracy is the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status” he said.

Ojukwu said, it is incumbent upon them, as the guardians of human rights in Nigeria, to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to safeguard these rights.

He added that as a Commission, their work does not end with the publication of this dashboard.

He added that , It is merely a tool, a starting point for further action.

” We must continue to collaborate with government agencies, policy makers, civil society organizations, and international partners to address the root causes of human rights violations and promote a culture of respect for human dignity and equality.

” I also want to thank our partners, the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their invaluable support,” he said.

He said: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every individual in Nigeria can live a life of dignity, freedom, and equality.”

NAN reports that on Feb. 14, the commission inaugurated the maiden edition of human rights dashboard and observatory and presented the report of January.

In January, a total of 1,147 complaints were recorded against 1,484 recorded in February, March recorded a total of 1580 complaints , April recorded 19,470 while May recorded 55, 218.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

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Torture is grave violation of human rights says Ojukwu

Torture
By Edith NwapAbuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary,National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says torture is a grave violation of human rights that has no place in any civilised society.

Ojukwu said this on Wednesday in his welcome address at a- two -day strategic meeting on prevention of torture in Nigeria .

He said the event marked a significant step towards strengthening national efforts and mechanisms towards preventing torture.

He added, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.

Ojukwu said the event was organised to bring stakeholders together to deliberate on how to prevent torture in Nigeria.

” Torture is a grave violation of human rights that has no place in any civilised society.

” It inflicts unimaginable suffering on its victims and undermines the very fabric of our society.

” It is instructive to mention that on July 27, 2009, Nigeria became a Party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) committing to establishing a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to prevent torture and ill-treatment in places of deprivation of liberty ” he said.

Ojukwu said Article 17 stated that each State Party is under the obligation to maintain, designate or establish independent national preventive mechanisms to prevent torture at domestic level.

He added that Article 18(4) stated that parties establishing NPMs should give due consideration to the United Nations Principles Relating to the Status of the National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights otherwise known as ” the Paris Principles).

” Accordingly, in April 2023, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been designated as Nigeria ‘s NPM.

” This strategic meeting on prevention of torture in Nigeria represents a critical step towards fulfilling Nigeria ‘s commitments under the OPCAT and enhancing the protection of human rights in places of deprivation of liberty.

” By engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration, we aim to build a robust and effective NPM that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals that have been deprived of their liberty ” he said.

Ojukwu noted that it is significant to engage with stakeholders from diverse sectors to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the issue.

Joining through virtual representations Abdallah Ounnir, Head Africa Regional Team and Country Rapporteur for Nigeria- United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture expressed his joy on formation of NPM.

He called for the ratification of the Protocol.

Similarly , by virtual representation, Ms Lisa Henry, Secretary General , International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) said NPM was a recommendation to the government of Nigeria.

She added that as an organisation, their work is to advocate for the prevention of torture.

Also speaking, Mr Gad Peter, executive director, CLEEN Foundation said that Nigeria is a country where culture tends to encourage torture but everyone thinks it is associated only with uniform personnel.

” You know that men torture women and women torture their maids.

” So we have the tradition of how people with impunity take actions they should not take against other persons.

” To also prevent torture, we must embrace technology. Some of the challenges leading to a policeman slapping you, asking you to come and defend yourself is because they lack the resources for diligent investigation and then, the society is putting pressure on them ” he said.

Similarly, Dr Oluwakemi Akinmusire, manager, strategy and development, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA ) said torture is not only known in Nigeria but other African countries too.

” We have been engaging the African Commission on human and Peoples rights and torture was one of the issues of concern.

” We want torture to be eradicated immediately in Nigeria and Africa, we are still engaging with the Commission.

” We know, with with NPM and this level of dedication we will see the end to torture.

She urged all participants to bring everything they have to the table to enable a fruitful outcome. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng )
NEO/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza