AE-FUNAI Student Dies After Collapsing During Campus Football Match

Tragedy unfolded at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, as Ogboji David Chukwuebuka, a 200-level student, tragically passed away after collapsing during a football match on campus.

According to reports by DAILY POST, the incident occurred during a football competition organized by the Directorate of Sports of the Student Union Government (SUG). Ogboji, a student of the Department of Economics, was participating in a match against the Faculty of Biological Science as part of the university’s freshers’ league tournament.

Ogboji, affectionately known as Bernardo, collapsed on the pitch during the game and was promptly rushed to the university clinic. Despite efforts to save him, he was transferred to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Nwankwo Polycarp Chigozie, the SUG Director of Sports, confirmed the heartbreaking event in a statement, extending sincere condolences to Ogboji’s family, friends, and fellow students. He described the incident as a tragic loss and prayed for the peaceful repose of Ogboji’s soul.

The university community mourns the loss of Ogboji David Chukwuebuka, a promising young student, and extends heartfelt sympathies to those affected by this sorrowful event. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

The politics of Ortom’s probe

By Sunday Ogli

WHERE service to fatherland is recognised, leaders like Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past Governor of Benue State are treated with honour. But that is not so in this clime where achievements and good intentions of leaders are politicised and treated with disrespect.

This is a man who for eight years, (2015-2023), sacrificed his comfort and plum of office to fight and protect his people.

For eight years, he was persecuted predated, hounded, relegated, rubbished and ‘banished’ from the comity of governors for daring to cry out when his people were chased out of their ancestral homes and farmlands.

It is regrettable that the government of the day did not give attention to Ortom’s lamentations, if it did, the prevailing spate of insecurity in the country today would have reduced significantly and farmers would have returned to farm.

Being that we are where we are, Chief Ortom today is facing two judicial panels constituted by his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia for allegedly misappropriating public funds when he was governor.

It is rumoured in certain quarters that the issue of Ortom’s probe was concluded even before he left office to teach him a lesson for having the audacity to challenge the powers that be.

Governor Alia who inaugurated the panels sometimes in February, particularly wants to know how the resources that accrued to the state and government assets under Chief Ortom were managed.

The two commissions of Inquiry are: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government (from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023), and the Judicial Commission of inquiry into the Sale/Lease of government assets, Companies and Markets (both State and Local Government owned markets), as well as Moribund Companies (from or before May 28, 2015 to May 28th, 2023).

Performing the inauguration at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia explained that the setting up of the two commissions of inquiry to look into the activities of the outgone administration is in response to the desire of the people of the state, who are the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.

His words: “These commissions are not merely bureaucratic endeavors; they are our response to the earnest desires and hopes of the good people of Benue, who are rightfully critical stakeholders and owners of our dear state and its resources.”

According to the governor, the future of Benue as a state depends largely on the prudent management of its resources, and as such, his administration will ensure that all monies expended, serve the collective purpose, in order to take the state to greater heights.

“The future prosperity of Benue hinges on the prudent and judicious management of our resources.

“As we usher in a new era characterized by prioritizing the welfare of our people, it is imperative and quite incumbent upon us to ensure that every Naira expended serves the collective interest and propels the growth and development of our state.

“The responsible stewardship of government resources bears a direct correlation to the well-being of our people. Adequate allocation to vital sectors such as the economy, agriculture, education, security, healthcare, and infrastructure uplifts the standard of living, while any mismanagement jeopardizes our collective progress,” he stressed.

The governor expressed confidence in the integrity and track record of the members of the commissions to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and in accordance with the noble principles of public service.

He, however, urged them to recognize the gravity of their mandate, insisting that the commission is not rooted in distrust but in his administration’s commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance to safeguard the interests of the people of the state.

The governor reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to effective resources management, citing the timely payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, to the execution of critical infrastructure projects, as encapsulated in his administration’s blueprint, “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.”

Responding separately, the chairmen of the commissions of inquiry; retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo and Justice Apollo’s Paul Idi for Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government (from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023), and the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets, respectively, expressed their readiness to work in line with the terms of reference given them.

They equally promised to do their best to come up with recommendations that will help the government to move the state forward.

The Commission of Inquiry on the Income and Expenditure of Government Funds from May 2015- May 2023, has Chief John Ochoga, Henry Tor, Tom Ujah, Ode Igbade Nick, Iorpenda Tarnguhar and Terfa Gbande, as members while Barr. Ajinge Sar, Dr. Abraham Gberindyer serve as Government Counsel and Secretary, respectively.

On the other hand, the Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Assets, Companies and Markets from (2015-2023), has Clement Nenge Beetse, John Ogah, Dr. Terungwa Adzende and Hon. Abraham Atotse as members while Victor Nyamtamen (Esq.) and John Edigbo serve as Government Council and Secretary, respectively.

The Commissions which were given six months to complete their assignment and submit their report were separately tasked to amongst other things, look into how the Bailout and Paris Club refunds were expended; look into the loans procured by the state during the period in question and report on how such loans were used, as well as identify the companies owned by the state government (both active and inactive) and profer solutions on how the inactive ones can be revived.

Chief Ortom welcomed the inauguration of two Judicial Commissions to probe the activities of his administration between 2015 and 2023 and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe panels as long as the investigation is carried out in line with the law.

The former governor in a statement signed by his media aide, Tever Akase, stressed that his administration was built on transparency, accountability, and good governance.

He emphasized his readiness to provide any information or clarification, as may be required and urged his former appointees to equally make themselves available whenever called upon to provide clarifications.

Meanwhile the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vowed to stand with Chief Ortom as he faces the probe of his administration by the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration.

The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Bemgba Iortom, though acknowledged the importance of probity and accountability in governance, however raised questions about the timing of the probe by the government.

While questioning the rationality of the probe given the security situation in the state and the allegations of fraud raised against officials of the state government, the PDP also questioned the choice of the heads of the two panels.

The party noted that since the expiry of his two terms in office as governor, “Chief Ortom has lived freely among the people in the state, and has since expressed his readiness to submit himself before any lawful process as will require him to give account of his stewardship as governor.

“The PDP in the state, likewise, recognizes the place of probity and accountability as necessary components of good governance and will stand by its Leader, Chief Ortom, through this process of stock-taking, if that is actually what it will be.

“Nevertheless, the party raises questions as to the timing of the probing exercise, coming at a time when Governor Alia’s table is already full with issues of insecurity and allegations of corruption taking place under his watch.”

Recall Ginika Tor from FCC now- CSO urges Enugu State Govt

The attention of the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN), a prodemocracy, civil rights and anti-corruption CSO has been drawn to the recent protests held outside the Enugu State Government House and the premises of the State House of Assembly Complex by prominent indigenes and constituent members, calling for the removal and outright sack of Hon. Ginika Florence Tor, Federal Commissioner, representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

These allegations were based on the discovery by the protesters and eminent persons of the state, that she was involved in certificate forgeries, gross misconduct, immoral practices, and anti-party activities The allegations also include Ginika Tor’s penchant for pulling people down at all cost just to score cheap points, as well she is accused of always having an axe to grind if a situation that pertains to her is not resolved in her favour.

This, she allegedly displayed few months back, precisely last year, when she led a ferocious attack on Hajia Muheeba Dankaka, Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) of which she (Ginika Tor) is a Federal Commissioner. This, she allegedly did by sponsoring a media war of attrition against the person of Hajia Dankaka in order to remove her from the exalted office.

Till date, Nigerians are deeply surprised at the actions of Ginika Tor against Hajia Muheeba Dankaka, because, Hajia Dankaka was the one that mentored Ginika Tor “as her daughter and took her in, when no one wanted to assist her” at the Commission.

The said protest by the Enugu constituents largely made up of women groups and youths, bearing various placards and inscriptions has called for Ginika Tor’s sack, arrest and prosecution, as according to them, she has various scandals to her name and has become a prominent visitor to the Nigeria Police both at local and national levels. They also heavily dwelt on her alleged involvement in forgeries of her educational certificates and various documents in which they said “her name featured prominently.

This CSO is appalled that she has confessed severally to being grilled by the anti-corruption agencies, as such, “she should hide her head in shame,” and as well, “be removed outright by the Enugu State Government as representative of the state at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), because she does not have the integrity, honesty and good conduct of a person to occupy such an office.”

ACN findings also reveal that, it is on record that she has at various times and occasions, insulted and cast aspersions, including mudslinging on Princess Ada Ogbu, Geoffrey Onyeama, Hajia Dankaka, Hon Stella Okotete and others too numerous to be mentioned in one press statement. These, the CSO found out, are personalities that assisted her and brought her to limelight, but ironically, today, she has turned against them by doing everything within her power to bring them down at all cost, “just for self-serving inordinate ambition and a mesh of porridge.”

ACN also authoritatively recalls that Nigerians woke up some time last year to the front page orchestration by Ginika Tor, who, along with her cohorts, took on the venerable Hajia Dankaka, the amiable Chairperson of FCC, and threw her under the bus, and if it were not for the civil society groups and eminent Nigerians that came to the assistance of Hajia Dankaka, it would have been history by now. Hajia Muheeba Dankaka stood her grounds and fought till she got victory from this clandestine plot orchestrated by Ginika Tor.

As this organization found out, today, Nigerians know better that Ginika Tor is a mischief maker of the first order and someone who can not be trusted with power. This, we recall, was blatantly displayed when she accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Imo State Governor, “for exhibiting lack of wisdom and knowledge in their choice of persons to appoint in exalted positions”

In a release signed by Comrade Gbenga Ashiru (National President) and Yakubu Abdullahi (General Secretary) respectively, the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) said it was amazed at what Ginika Tor is still doing at the Federal Character Commission representing Enugu State. “When it is on record that she has insulted and cast aspersions on the present Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma as well as the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah respectively, maligning their hard-earned reputations as not being competent leaders and inflicting pain on the South-East zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the State Chapter of the party.”

This, our organization gathered, was disclosed in a statement by Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, National Vice Chairman of APC South East. These, according to the party chieftain, were allegations on gross misconduct, anti-party activities and an attempt to create a parallel executive of the party in the state which calls for the outright sack of Ginika Tor from the Federal Character Commission and nothing less.

The Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) also have good authority that two petitions received by the State Executive Committee against Ginika Tor were referred to the State disciplinary committee headed by Barr. Vincent Chieyine a situation which led to her indefinite suspension, but the ACN is calling for her outright removal and sack as a result of character unbecoming of a state representative from Enugu State.
This same representative, according to the release and statement of Dr Arodiogbu, “recall sometime around the 10th of March, 2024, was engaged in anti-party activities and published statements whose sole purpose was to bring the leadership of APC Enugu Sate as well as the Enugu State Executive into disrepute, contempt, hatred and public ridicule and odium.”

The said statement added that, “she also created a factional/parallel State Executive Committee in APC Enugu State which is contrary to Section 21:2 of the 2022 Constitution of the All Progressives Congress as amended.” This organization further learnt that the resolution ratifying the indefinite suspension of the Federal Character Commissioner, Ginika Tor was copied to the National Chairman of the APC, the Governor of Imo State, Leaders of APC South East, among other stakeholders in the APC South East caucus.

The Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) states categorically that, from our findings, Ginika Tor has no educational qualifications or certificates, to show for all these years, but has chosen to rather engage herself in “Pull-Her Down (PHD)” syndrome, which she has displayed since she was made a Federal Commissioner, and, as such, has nothing to offer to her immediate constituency. In fact, she has become a shame to the women folk who have been yearning for adequate representation in all ramifications!

It is in view of the foregoing that the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (ACN) vehemently call for her outright sack by the state and nothing more. In addition, the State Government should send in the name of a competent personality to replace her as the Federal Character Commissioner representing Enugu State.

“Nigeria’s Potential to Lead in Oil Palm Production with Support, Asserts Okitipupa MD”

“Nigeria Poised to Lead in Oil Palm Production with Proper Support, Says Okitipupa MD”
Taiwo Adewole, the managing director of Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc, has emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to reclaim its position as the largest producer of oil palm globally if the government provides adequate support to the agricultural sector.

Adewole made this assertion during the signing ceremony for the Okitipupa Palm Oil Plc’s right issue with the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos held in February. He stressed that Nigeria should no longer rely on palm oil imports but rather invest in local production by supporting farmers.

Expressing his views, Adewole stated, “I firmly believe that Nigeria should not be importing palm oil for any reason. Instead, we should invest in local farmers to boost the economy and reduce the pressure on the government to import processed palm oil with foreign currency.”

He highlighted the importance of Nigeria regaining its status as a leading oil palm producer, emphasizing that the country should focus on meeting local demand before considering exportation.

“Our priority should be to satisfy domestic consumption needs first and then explore opportunities for exporting surplus production,” Adewole emphasized.

Regarding Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc’s initiative to raise N3.5 billion, Adewole explained that the company aims to issue approximately 382 million shares at N9 per share. He emphasized that the discounted price is intended to encourage existing shareholders to participate in the company’s growth.

“This right issue marks a significant milestone in our recapitalization journey. Okitipupa Plc is poised to become a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, and we are committed to delivering value to our shareholders,” Adewole remarked.

Addressing the challenges facing farmers, particularly insecurity, Adewole stressed the urgent need for improved security measures. He applauded the government’s approval of state police as a step in the right direction, emphasizing that security is paramount for agricultural development.

Oluwatobiloba Kuye, the desk officer handling the transaction for the right issue at Greenwich Merchant Bank, expressed optimism about Okitipupa Plc’s future. He commended the company’s efforts to recap

“Fiabema Criticizes Chelsea’s Decision to Sack Tuchel: ‘It was a Mistake'”

Former Chelsea youth team player Bryan Fiabema has criticized Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel, who was the last manager to secure a trophy for the club.

The Blues terminated their contract with the German tactician in September 2022 amidst a series of underwhelming performances and rumored conflicts with the club’s new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

During Tuchel’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, he clinched one UEFA Champions League title, which marked Chelsea’s last major silverware, along with a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Additionally, the 50-year-old guided the six-time English champions to the final of the EFL Cup and FA Cup in 2022, where they were defeated by Liverpool, as well as the FA Cup final in 2021, where they lost to Leicester City, spearheaded by Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.

When asked about his reaction to Tuchel’s dismissal during an interview with The Byline Show, Fiabema expressed surprise and criticized Chelsea’s decision, stating that they made a mistake in letting go of the once UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year. Fiabema praised Tuchel’s achievements and believed he performed well during his tenure at the club.

“Very, very. I think to this day even it was a mistake because if you look back, if you are at a big club like that you always have to win trophies,” Fiabema said.

“He won trophies, I would say he did well but just seeing what he did with the players and the team, I think it was a mistake.”

Fiabema, who was recently released by Chelsea and has since joined Real Sociedad, currently represents the LaLiga outfit’s B side.

Gunman Arrested in Kaduna with Nigerian Army General’s Complimentary Card and AK-47

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a gunman found in possession of a complimentary card belonging to a Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army. Alongside the complimentary card, the individual was discovered with an AK47 rifle, a bank ATM card, and other items in his wallet.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, stated that the arrest of the suspect marks a significant achievement in crime prevention and detection. The suspect, believed to be involved in armed robbery, was apprehended, and his operational weapon, an AK47 rifle, was recovered.

The success of the operation was attributed to the prompt action taken by police operatives, who acted on credible intelligence received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos Division. The intelligence report was received on March 24, 2024, at approximately 20:30 hours.

According to the police press release, the arrested individual, identified as Salim Aliyu, a 22-year-old resident of Badarawa Kwaru in Kaduna North, Kaduna State, was found in possession of the AK47 rifle with Breach No. 01585, along with three rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunitions. Other items recovered from the suspect include a Nigerian Immigration Service camouflage singlet and face cap, a sharp knife, a flier, a desert handbag, and a wallet containing a First Bank ATM card and the complimentary card belonging to the Nigerian Army Brigadier General.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being on a robbery mission to Maraban Jos.

The successful operation underscores the Kaduna State Police Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.

APC Throws Weight Behind Governor Uba Sani Over Kaduna Debt Disclosure

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has expressed full support for Governor Uba Sani, lauding his transparency in disclosing the state’s debt profile. The party views this as a commendable display of the governor’s commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.

In a statement released by the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, the party praised Governor Sani’s open and inclusive leadership style. This was evident in the recent State of Kaduna Town Hall meeting, which provided a platform for discussing the state’s challenges, progress, and plans, reflecting the administration’s dedication to citizen engagement.

Furthermore, the APC applauded Governor Sani’s recent initiatives aimed at mitigating economic hardship and promoting progress in Kaduna State. These initiatives include grants to 7,500 SMEs, support for 5,000 farmers, cash transfers, and food distribution to vulnerable households.

The party also highlighted Governor Sani’s update on security affairs during the Town Hall meeting, which included the establishment of more Forward Operation Bases, instilling hope for a safer future.

Addressing recent actions that went against the APC constitution, the party affirmed the indefinite suspension of its State women leader, Hajiya Maryam Suleman, popularly known as Mai Rusau. This decision underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within its ranks.

APC Kaduna reiterated its unwavering support for the Uba Sani administration and urged the governor to remain focused despite distractions from detractors.

Binance Executives Face Money Laundering and Tax Evasion Charges in Court

Cryptocurrency giant Binance and its executives are under scrutiny as they face two separate charges filed against them in the Abuja Federal High Court. The arraignment is set for Thursday, April 4th, 2024.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is alleging that Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla were involved in money laundering amounting to $35.4 million. This five-count charge accuses the company of operating without a valid license, a violation of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has lodged a separate four-count charge against Binance, accusing them of failing to register for and pay taxes in Nigeria. The alleged offenses span from February 1, 2024, to March 22, 2024, the filing date.

Nadeem Anjarwalla, who reportedly escaped custody on March 22nd, will be arraigned in absentia.

Justice Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, previously ordered Binance to provide the EFCC with comprehensive data on all Nigerian users on their platform amid concerns of possible money laundering and terrorism financing.

This case carries significant implications for cryptocurrency regulation in Nigeria and is expected to be closely monitored.

Continuous Harassment On TCN’s Management, Taking An Unpatriotic Turn- CSGGG Cautions

A coalition of over 180 Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG on Tuesday expressed concern over continued accusations and allegations of corruption circulating against the management of the Transmission Company.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the convener of CSGGG, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, debunked and exonerated the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN of any corruption and underhand dealings.

He said : “As CSOs, we are duty-bound to investigate any information we receive and ensure none are unjustly punished without appearing sentimental, self-seeking, or unpatriotic.

“We have engaged the management of TCN, and it is on record that the MD/CEO is a man who has instilled a standing and verifiable tradition of prudent management of scarce resources, leading to notable achievements.

“These accomplishments will soon become visible as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, as the decades of rot in the sector can not be wished away overnight.”

Dominic said the allegations revolve around claims made by an online news outlet, suggesting that TCN’s managing director purchased an exotic car for the Hon. Minister of Power as a bribe.

He, however, said TCN management clarified that the vehicle was procured as part of official responsibilities to support the minister’s office.

He further highlighted the challenges facing TCN, including disruptions caused by bandits, gas supply shortages, and unethical conduct by generation and distribution companies.

“We urge Nigerians to proffer solutions to the problems facing the power sector rather than politicizing them,” he said.

Ogakwu emphasized that the continuous harassment of TCN’s management is taking an unpatriotic turn. He cautioned against unjust intimidation and harassment, advocating for transparency and adherence to due process.

He said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of Engr. Sule Abdulaziz’s continuation in the office reflects a commitment to professionalism and diligence in the power sector.

“We commend and urge the management of TCN to remain committed to fast-tracking solutions to the challenges bedevilling the power sector,” he said.

The organisation’s stance underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address Nigeria’s power sector challenges and achieve stable electricity supply for all citizens.

Release 2 Brothers Unjustly Incarcerated, Groups Tell NPF

The International Federation of Human Rights (IFHR) in collaboration with Freelance Journalist Federation (FIJ) and Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has called on the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to uphold the rule of law and immediately release the duo of Mustapha Buhari Aliyu and Aliyu Buhari Aliyu.

The duo, who are brothers and well known for their cattle rearing business in the community were unjustly abducted from their home in Kagarko, a community in Kaduna State on allegations of involvement in Kidnaping and ransom taking the 21st of March 2023 by IRT operatives purportedly working in connivance with one Muhammad Sani alias ‘Abacha’, a notorious bandit and gun runner who had carried through with his threat to the father of the abducted brothers following a feud.

In a press release signed by the trio of Comrade Joshua Attah, Rev. Oduma Abel and Rev. Solomon Semaka, National Coordinator and Conveners of IHRF, FJF and SNM respectively, and made available to journalists in Abuja after a widely attended press conference at Top Rank Hotel, Utako Abuja on the 2nd of April 2024, the coalition tackled the NPF for deliberately disregarding the rule of law and violating human rights through illegal abduction and detention.

According to the release, “as Civil Rights Organisations (CSOs), we are concerned with the utter disregard for the rule of law by the Nigerian Police Force and the gross violation of the human rights of two innocent Nigerians despite concerted interventions and appeals. Ours is therefore, a clarion call on the NPF to respect human rights of civilians and immediately release the duo of Mustapha Buhari Aliyu and Aliyu Buhari Aliyu who are currently being unjustly incarcerated
by officers and men of Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

“The IRT has been variously engrossed in gross violations of human rights with persistent and unabating complaints from a cross section of Nigerians. The Kagarko incidence is most disturbing because it seemed to have been a vendetta orchestrated by well known bandit in the area who actually accompanied IRT operatives on the mission. This illegality and rascality has generated global attention and if left unaddressed might lead to a break down of law and order”.

The Coalition questioned the motive of the NPF in the case and wondered why despite repeated complaints and interventions from different quarters including lawyers to the accused brothers, Y.C Maikyau & Co, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kagarko Emirate Council as well as Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), exonerating the innocent brothers of any wrong doing, the NPF has refused to release the brothers in line with standard procedures and conventions on human rights.

“As Pro- democracy CSOs dedicated to minimising incidents of human rights abuse of civilians by security agents, the high-handedness of the NPF pushed us to undertake a fact finding mission to ascertain the motive behind the unprofessional conduct and gang up against the innocent victims by IRT. We found through the irrefutable accounts of eye witnesses that the gestapo styled abductions was simply a glaring conspiracy by Muhammad Sani and the IRT operatives who operated without an arrest warrant and had no regard for the rule of law.

“Also, by all global standards, no individual shall be arrested without a warrant and detained beyond (24) hours without being charged without a valid court order. The NPF in gross violations of both local and international laws have chosen to conspire with a known bandit just to teach the innocent victims and their father a lesson. Keeping the accused for close to two weeks without officially charging then is unacceptable in our current democratic culture.

“It is even more worrisome as reports have emerged that the said Sani Muhammad alias Abacha who is behind the continued incarceration of two innocent citizens and a known criminal has been recruited into the NPF as per HURIWA in a release on March 30 , 2024. This development casts a very long shadow of doubt on the ability of the NPF to fight crime and uphold human rights if it’s frolicking with criminals”, the statement added.

While condemning in strong terms the actions of the IRT, the Coalition called on relevant authorities including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Nigerian Police to order as there can be no room for any abuse of human rights in an adminstration that’s fully subscribed to the rule of law.

“We condemn in strong terms the illegal and continued detention of innocent citizens without charging them to court as required by law and urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to instill professionalism in the rank and file. It is our earnest hope too that the National Human Rights Commission will investigate the circumstances surrounding the illegal arrest, abduction and detention of Mustpha Buhari Aliyu and Aliyu Buhari Aliyu by IRT

“We equally call on the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Human Rights and Public Petitions to intervene and carry out their oversight functions for the good of law abiding citizens. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights should also intervene in the multiple cases of human rights abuses perpetrated by the Nigeria Police Force and facilitate the release of victims currently held under dehumanizing conditions without probable cause by the police.

“Similarly, the Minister of Police Affairs should also intervene and petition the Nigerian Police Service Commission to call the authorities to order so as to keep track with the vision and philosophy of Mr President which is clearly in favor of the rule of law”, the statement added..

The release ended by charging the media to sustain their work by constantly serving as the conscience of the masses and called on the NPF to act quickly in releasing the victims of the Kagarko charade or face sustained protests from all CSOs and other wel meaning Nigerians.

“It is our hope that the media will continue to act as the conscience and mirror of the nation and continuously prevail on the NPF to release the innocent victims in order to restore citizen confidence in the Force. However, failure of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to heed our advice to take the path of rule of law by releasing the innocent victims under custody, we shall have no option than to protest against police brutality before the National Assembly, UN and the Human Rights Commission to register our collective displeasure with police brutality on citizens”, the statement concluded..