Home Blog Page 207

Secure release of abducted Lawyers by Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam

To: All Nigerian Law Enforcement Agencies

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Armed Forces

We call on you to take immediate and decisive action to:

  • Secure the safe release of the abducted lawyers, including (Onyesom Peace Udoka), one of the newly called female lawyers and her sister, along the Okene axis in Kogi State.
  • Identify and apprehend the perpetrators, bringing them to justice for their heinous crime.
  • Intensify efforts to secure our highways and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key Agencies to Collaborate:

  • Nigeria Police Force (NPF): Maintain law and order, investigate and prosecute cases related to abduction.
  • Department of State Services (DSS): Provide intelligence gathering and internal security support.
  • National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP): Investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking.
  • Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): Protect critical infrastructure and provide emergency response support.
  • Nigerian Armed Forces: Assist in maintaining internal peace and combating insurgency.

We Demand:

  • Swift action to ensure the safe release of the victims.
  • Thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.
  • Enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Together, we can ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, particularly those who dedicate their lives to the service of justice.

Continuous detention of Chinedu Agu is illegal, By Femi Falana, SAN

On Friday, September 26, 2025, a magistrate ordered that Mr. Chinedu Agu be remanded in Owerri Correctional Centre pending the investigation of the criminal offences including the Facebook posts that are said to be critical of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State. The Magistrate rejected the bail application of the lawyer and ordered that he be remanded in prison custody.

A few minutes later, the federal high court rightly admitted Mr. Agu to bail.
The implication of the order of the Federal High Court is that the remand order of the Magistrate Court has been set aside or quashed. To that extent, the further detention of the lawyer by the Correctional Centre is illegal and unconstitutional.

It is usually painful for me to recall that court orders were more respected under military rule than under the current democratic dispensation!

In Ogunyade v Inspector-General of Police & Ors in Nigeria Law of Habeas Corpus NLP Ltd 1986 p. 387, the 2nd Respondent (Lagos State Police Commissioner) claimed that he was not the person detaining the applicant even though he was in police custody at the Oshodi Police Station in the Lagos State Police Command.

The learned trial judge rejected the spurious contention of the 2nd respondent and proceeded to order that the applicant “be discharged and released forthwith by the respondents or by whom is still holding him.”

Similarly, in Okudoh v Inspector-General of Police reported in Nigerian Law of Habeas Corpus NLP Ltd p 385, Oguntade J. (as he then was) ordered the release of the Applicant. For the avoidance of doubt, his Lordship stated that “the Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters falls within the group described as all authorities and persons in section 251(3) of the 1979 Constitution.” The Chief of Staff was not a party in the case!

In view of the foregoing, it is submitted that by virtue of section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the order of the Federal High Court is binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria, including the authorities of the the Correctional Centre at Owerri, Imo State. Therefore, the continuous detention of Mr. Agu is totally illegal.

The fresh application demanded by the Federal High Court for Mr. Agu’s bail is unnecessary. In view of the refusal of the authorities of the Correctional Centre to release the lawyer, the Federal High Court may wish to amend the order admitting the lawyer to bail.

Anguish over new barrister kidnapped after call to bar

A new wig, Onyesom Peace Udoka, has reportedly been kidnapped on her way back home from the Call to the bar ceremony.

A Facebook made by Didi Johnson gives the following details:

Full name: Onyesom Peace Udoka
Campus: Enugu
Destination: Abuja to Benin
Last known location: Close to Lokoja
Let time contacted: around 12 noon on Friday, 27th September 2025.
Call date: 23rd September 2025
Phone number: 08135538123
Last number she called with: 08058525334”

Meanwhile, if you have any information that might help in any way, do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate authorities.

Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN, to incoming Senior Advocates, ‘You must do your best not to disgrace or disparage that rank’

“You must be very honest to and with yourself. You must be true to yourself, the noble and honorable profession of law, and the rank you wear.”

ADDRESS AND ADMONITION BY ASIWAJU ADEGBOYEGA S. AWOMOLO, SAN, AT THE PRE-SWEARING-IN INDUCTION PROGRAMME FOR NEW SENIOR ADVOCATES OF NIGERIA – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

THEME: THE SILK RANK: PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF DISTINCTION

Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi SAN, the Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria; the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice; My Lords; fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Senior Advocates of Nigeria designates. Let me, at the beginning of my speech; thank the Chairman, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi SAN, for authorizing the Organizing Committee under the leadership of Chief Paul Usoro SAN to invite and list me for this contribution.

In his letter to me dated the 18th of September, 2025, he graciously allowed me 5 to 10 minutes to make my remarks in the nature of words of advice. I have had the privilege of listening to very eminent, distinguished, and learned leaders of the Judiciary and the Bar, each of them admonishing you on the occasion of your pre-conferment as Senior Advocates of Nigeria and your obligation in sustaining the legacy of distinction as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

I am aware that the processes each of you went through to be here today were rigorous, tasking, and sometimes, along the way, frustrating. But because you were determined to let opportunity meet your preparation; success has come your way today. I know that whatever God has ordained, no one can change it.

It is true that the race is not to the swift, neither is the battle to the strongest or fittest, bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill but time and chance happens to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Permit my modesty to say that in July 1992, I was honored to wear the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I was the youngest of the 7 (seven), while Alhaji Femi Okunnu, S.A.N., CON, was the most senior. In that year, the total number of SAN from inception was 88 (eighty-eight). Today, we have about 900 (nine hundred) Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and by Monday, the 29th of September 2025 we will be about 959 (Nine hundred and fifty nine) Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

I am sure you know that whether in democracy or military dictatorship, the Judiciary and, in fact, the Bar has always been at the center of all discussions concerning good governance, rule of law, political stability, and human rights and their abuses. Since 1999, every conversation around these concerns started with the role of Senior Advocates of Nigeria as playing major and determinant role. In recent times, Senior Advocates of Nigeria are at the heart of national conversations. The Chairmen of ICPC, EFCC, and critics of the social malady known as “corruption” often pointed at the Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Whether the allegations of the misdemeanors are local or global, Senior Advocates are sighted.

I cannot advise or tell you what the law is, or what roles are carved out for you as Senior Advocates. You know the law more than I do. But the Yorubas say: “Ti omode ba l’aso bi agba, ko le l’akisa to; sugbon ojo owo kan mbo fun akisa.” (A child may have as many clothes as his elders, but he cannot have as many rags, someday, there will be a need for those rags.)

I wish each and every one of you to know the 3 Hs that I believe will be useful to you as we approach the D-Day — next Monday, the 29th of September, 2025 when you will sign and swear, as you are formally conferred with and decorated with the rank as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

It is the day of little beginning, and you must do your best not to disgrace, disparage, or despise that day. Therefore, it is important that you do not remove, displace, ignore, or neglect the ancient landmarks, which your fathers and elders in the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria have set since 1975 when Chief F.R.A. Williams QC, SAN, CON, and Dr. Graham Douglas SAN were decorated at the Supreme Court, Lagos.

You must be very honest to and with yourself. You must be true to yourself, the noble and honorable profession of law, and the rank you wear. You must be guided at all times by the rules and ethics. Honesty will show the integrity of a man without speaking words. Honesty will lead you to know that the height your leaders in the rank attained was not reached by sudden flight. Precept upon precept, line upon line, like building brick by brick, you will get to where you desire.

Honesty, which is regarded as the best policy, will not allow you to be greedy for money, gold, or any material wealth. The law of nature is such that you can never have enough. However, honesty will keep your mind in the law of God. In all knowing, covert and know peace and trusting God that tomorrow is better

I can say from experience upon your elevation as a Senior Advocate, you can no longer be poor. You can never again beg for bread, you can never for any reason go borrowing. You can never go back to where you ware coming from. You are now a great lawyer.

The second H is Humility. It is true that power, position, and things associated with them are tempting or sometimes intoxicating like wine. Therefore, humility must never leave you, because arrogance or pride destroys. Your humility must be seen by everyone who comes across you henceforth. It is the light of God that shines brighter and brighter. Wealth will soon come, fame is here, goodwill will follow, and global recognition will come within a short while — and when God sees your humility, He will give you honour that no man gives.

Honour is one of the greatest attributes that follow a man who is honest and humble. Good name is better than gold and silver. A man honoured has his name ring bells, open doors, create a magical image of one to be trusted, and brings goodness. A man honored stands before Presidents, nobles and kings. When you are honored as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, whether at the Bar or Bench, you will be respected, you will be treated with great dignity. These attributes will make you empathetic towards your colleagues, whether of the Inner Bar or Outer Bar. Honour no doubt reflects faithfulness, trustworthiness, sincerity and dependability as a professional.

Permit me to say that here in Abuja, there are not less than 150 Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Everyone within the ambit of this region knows the families of each other. We empathize with each other, celebrate with each other, and over the years built relationships that have endured for over 20 years. Senior Advocates residing in Abuja are happy. There is one BOSAN with one constitution, and I believe the legacy of love, empathy, and sharing is such that must be sustained at all levels and areas where Senior Advocates are resident.

In conclusion, permit me to thank the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, My Lords that have shared their thoughts and wisdom. I thank the Leadership committee for this programme which has become an annual event before the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

I am grateful for the honour of being part of this programme.

Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN

Member, BOTC, BOSAN

Life Bencher

23rd September, 2025

16-year-old domestic worker scalded by abusive employer in Abuja rescued by NAPTIP

Officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) rescued a 16-year-old domestic worker who was subjected to abuse and torture by her employer in the Gwarimpa area of Abuja. 

NAPTIP in a statement on Friday, September 26, 2025, said the victim was rescued following a tip-off from concerned neighbours. 

Read Also: Another housewife allegedly scalds 5-year-old stepdaughter for bedwetting

NAPTIP said the victim’s employer poured hot water on her, adding that all the individuals involved in the heinous act will be prosecuted. 

“The victim, who hails from Imo State and comes from a family of 1, had been caring for her employer’s three children, including two-month-old twins, and a seven-year-old boy while the employer worked at night,” the statement read.

Read Also: A long way from home: The child ‘house helpers’ of Nigeria

“Reports indicate that the girl was scalded with hot water by her employer. Alert neighbours quickly rushed her to a hospital and immediately contacted NAPTIP, prompting a swift rescue operation.

“The agency has commenced a full investigation into the incident, and all individuals involved in this heinous act will face the full weight of the law.”

The agency has called on the public to report any case of trafficking or abuse. 

NAPTIP rescues 16-year-old domestic worker doused with hot water by her abusive employer in Abuja

Intimate Affairs: ‘I don’t want a mother-in-law,’ By Funke Egbemode

Tola doesn’t wish anybody dead. She just doesn’t want to go through what her mother went through in the hands of her grandmother.

She had been told that she might just be lucky and end up with a husband with a kind mother. But she’s scared, I believe, irredeemably, by the trauma of her childhood. She said she doesn’t want to risk it.

‘I know God is able to bless me with a great future, but I believe He also knows my fears, understands my trauma. I want my marriage to last forever. My mother wanted same. She worked so hard at keeping her marriage together. She wept, prayed, did everything but because she could not give my father a second child and a son, she was frustrated out of her home after 14 years of marriage.

‘My mother moved out into her own small flat. My father married a new wife who gave him five more girls. My mother was accused of witchcraft, held responsible for my father’s inability to have a son. My mother worked hard all her life to solely support me. She died two years after I graduated. In her sleep, she had an heart attack, according to the doctor. But I know heartbreak was also a huge factor. Her life was one long battle.

‘I know not all mothers-in-law are mean, but I don’t want to find out. I am not different from women who will marry men who are jobless. After all, a jobless man can become a billionaire next year, but most women won’t take that kind of risk. I’m too scared to even go on a second date with a man whose mother is still around. Mothers are great. Mine was. But a man’s mother? I don’t want the trouble. I don’t want to live and die like my mother.’

Tola has a point. On the surface, she might sound ‘wicked’. But check out her story. Perhaps, if her mother were to still be alive, she might have helped in her rehabilitation, but the fact that she died, leaving Tola, an only child with the father who did not protect her mother and probably one who actually thought his wife was a witch, leaves any girl with fear, deep-seated fears.

I met a woman, a mother-in-law, in Jordan. I mean, at the River Jordan, while I was on pilgrimage to Israel many years ago. We were on the same bus and the same prayer group. It was an intensive 10-day of praying, fasting, except only when we were eating or sleeping. But this lady struck me in a different way. We got talking and she told me her main prayer points. She stood in the River Jordan for her daughter-in-law. The poor girl, she told me, had a difficult pregnancy that saw her in and out of hospital. She could neither eat nor sleep well, and to worsen everything, she had to deliver by caesarean section. She felt it was too much for a 28-year-old girl. Her daughter-in-law was pregnant again, and she wanted God to intervene this time.

‘I want the poor girl to have a smooth, healthy pregnancy. I want her to also deliver naturally. I know God can do it, in spite of whatever her doctor told us.’ Those were are words.

She got inside Jordan and prayed passionately. Now, if you have read the story of Naaman in the Bible, that day, I understood his reluctance to pray in the Jordan as the Prophet instructed. Jordan was dirty, full of gigantic catfish no one dared to catch, I believe, and grass-cutters-like creatures who begged for sweets and biscuits.

‘My friend’ got in and prayed hard for her poor girl, her daughter-in-law. ‘Lucky girl’, I said to myself. What did she do to net a mother-in-law who went to River Jordan to pray for her?

Anyway, I stayed in touch with this nice lady even when we got back to Nigeria. Indeed, we set up a WhatsApp group where we all stayed in touch and prayed. God answered my friend’s prayer. The poor girl ate and slept well all through her pregnancy and delivered her baby like the Hebrew women. No CS, no episiotomy.

Who wouldn’t want a mother-in-law like that? Who would have a mother-in-law like that and not pray that her daughters and sisters find second mothers in their husbands’ mothers?

Gbemisola and I are members of the same women group in church. If you are a member of RCCG, you will know the name of our group. Anyway, I was in the car with Gbemi about two weeks to last Christmas and she was dishing instructions out like cheap pepper. First to the cleaner, then the caterer and then the electrician.

I asked: ‘Hello, are you planning a party that I’m not aware of?’

‘Noooo now, I’m just preparing for Christmas and New Year like everybody else’. Gbemi explained in between more instructions to the plumber to go and check that all heaters and flushers worked.

‘Mama, please explain. How many people are coming to your house that you are buying so much?’

It just happened that Gbemi’s three children, their spouses, their four grandchildren and her three siblings were all coming over for Christmas, and she wanted them to all to feel like they were on a proper holiday. So she was going the extra mile to fulfil a promise she made to herself years ago after years of pain in the family house of her in-laws.

According to Gbemi: ‘Christmas or any holiday with my parents-in-law always left me ill and unhappy. I always ended up in the hospital after each holiday. I had to cook, clean, go to the market in addition to taking care of my three children. It was the wives’ duty to cook and serve the visitors. It was work from dawn to dusk. It never was a holiday for years. I didn’t look forward to sharing space with my mother-in-law at Easter, Christmas or any family event.

‘It was not as if they couldn’t afford cooks or washermen. I think my mother-in-law just enjoyed seeing her sons’ spouses doing all the toiling. Maybe because her own mother-in-law put her through the same torture. Until one Christmas, I stood up to them all and said Christmas would be with my husband and children. That was the end of Torture December.’

Gbemi made up her mind that she will never put any of her daughters-in-law or sisters-in- law through the ordeal she went through.

“I employed a caterer who cater for our meals. There’s a house-help who washes. My sons’ wives put up their feet. I even call the hairdresser to make their hair. I want them and my grandchildren to look forward to coming to my place all the time.

Gbemi had a choice of perpetuating the Torture December tradition. She chose to abolish and replace it with Leisure December.

If your mother-in-law put you through hell for years, it takes grace and divine wisdom not to see mothers- in-law as evil. It is wives who become mothers- in- law. It is mothers who become mothers-in-law. Mothers-in-law are also mothers to girls who have to contend with or enjoy good or bad mothers-in-law. So it is girls’ thing. It’s about women creating a tradition and watering it or being just witches flying in broad daylight shamefully and shamelessly.

Mothers-in-law as witches or blessings is a matter of experience because we are all products of our experience. However, whichever way you look at, it is all about we women. All parties involved are women. Of course, the men involved have been known to pour gasoline on the fire, either out of lack of wisdom or plain thoughtlessness for long term consequences. Come to think of it, men can make and unmake the relationship between their wives and mothers. Some men are just careless. Maybe some even enjoy the politics and tension. But I refuse to make this about the men. This is all on women. We really need to do better, especially as mothers.

On a last note, I think young ladies who say they do not want their mothers-in-law as part of their marriage package need counselling, love, and guidance, not condemnation. They were not born like that, trust me. They must have loved their grandmothers at a point, right? Then they started seeing that grandma was not so loving. They saw that their mother was miserable each time ‘Mama’ was around. The shout, the accusations, the fight, the broken home all leave a mark on a girl.

Women just need to do better in the way we treat one another in the school of marriage.

[email protected].

FIDA (NIG) Abuja branch joins FCT High Court Chief Judge for Keffi Correctional Centre decongestion visit

On the 23rd of September 2025, FIDA (NIG) Abuja Branch joined the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court on a visit to the Keffi Correctional Centre aimed at decongesting the facility. The event drew various stakeholders, including representatives from FIDA Abuja Branch, Nigerian Bar Association, Legal Aid Council, NGOs, Civil Society Organisations, and other stakeholders.

During the proceedings, the Assistant Comptroller commended the Chief Judge for his consistent visits to custodial centres, noting that significant progress had been made since the last visit, particularly in ensuring legal representation for all inmates. He also highlighted the centre’s congestion, stating that the facility, designed for 360 inmates, was currently housing over 669 inmates.

The visit yielded positive outcomes, including the payment of fines for inmates sentenced with fine options, expedited trials for others, and the discharge of some over 25 to 30 male inmates.

About four female inmates were also discharged by the Chief Judge’s directive.

Women from the Old Keffi Correctional Centre were brought to the new centre, where the Chairperson of FIDA Abuja Mrs Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko pledged the sum of Two Hundred Thousand naira (200,000), for the fine of one Ms. Angela Chiamaka, whose fine was One Million Three Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Naira only (1,387,000).

Onyenucheya-Uko went further to say that the FIDA Abuja Branch will follow up on the case and see how they will negotiate with the nominal complainant.

Furthermore, the FIDA Abuja Branch will also take up some of the cases of the female inmates who do not have legal representation.

AWLA President Caroline Ibharunaefe congratulates newly sworn-in AWLA Abia and Kogi EXCO members

On 18th September 2025, the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, officially swore in its newly appointed Executive Committee.

Likewise, AWLA in Kogi state swore in their newly elected EXCO members.

Here are the women stepping up to serve and inspire in Abia state:
✨ Mabel Obiudi – State Coordinator
✨ Tessy Maduakolam Kalu – State Secretary
✨ Chinyere Emilia Ndu – Public Relations Officer
✨ Queen Chinonso Okezie – State Treasurer
✨ Catherine Uwaezuoke – Financial Secretary

AWLA Kogi’s new EXCO

Commending the new EXCO, AWLA National President, Mrs Caroline Ibharunaefe said this inauguration is not just about titles — “it’s about renewed energy, passion, and dedication to empowering women in law and advancing justice in Abia and Kogi States. 🙌

Here’s to leadership that uplifts, and service that transforms. 💜 #AWLANigeria #AWLAAbia #AWLAKogi #WomenInLaw #Leadership #JusticeForAll #WomenEmpowerment #EquityAndJustice #LawAndSociety #NigeriaWomen

China and Nigeria’s national days shared memory – Ambassador Yu

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai has explained that the independence anniversaries on October 1 is a shared national memory that binds both people together.

Ambassador Yu stated this at the reception to mark the 76th anniversary of China in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ambassador Yu noted that, over the past 76 years under the Communist Party of China, China has demonstrated a strong spirit of self-reform, uniting and leading the Chinese people in achieving two remarkable milestones: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

He added that China has undergone transformative changes, and the Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation has entered an irreversible historical trend.

“Over the past half century, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, creating the ‘Chinese poverty alleviation miracle’, contributing to global poverty reduction and the progress of human development,” he said.

“In 2024, China’s GDP exceeded $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000. For years, China has contributed over 30% to global economic growth, serving as the primary engine of the world economy.

“We are now advancing the national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. On this new journey, we stand firmly on the right side of history and human progress, upholding the banners of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit to promote global peace and shared progress. In this process, we are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world. “

Join us on October 2nd for the Voice2Rep Rights & Rhythm Concert

Join us on October 2nd for the Voice2Rep Rights & Rhythm Concert, proudly organized by Accountability Lab Nigeria in collaboration with ActionAid, Yes Academy, Paradigm Initiative, US Embassy, UN Women, and DIGICIVIC.

Nigeria’s online space is changing fast, and young voices like yours matter now more than ever. Through music and art, we’ll break down big issues like digital rights, data protection, and online freedom into beats and rhythms that inspire action.

Come vibe, learn, and lend your voice to shaping a more inclusive and rights-respecting digital future.

👉 Don’t miss out, entry is free but kindly register for the event here: https://bit.ly/RightsandRhythm

1...206207208...1,430Page 207 of 1,430

TIPS

Load more