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How DCP Lough, others resigned as Constables, re-joined the Police in 1992 as Cadet Officers

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How DCP Lough, others resigned as Constables, re-joined the Police in 1992 as Cadet Officers
  • Refutes falsifying police records, demands retraction

“The facts are that they joined the Police Force as constables, some in about 1986. In 1992 the Police Force Management Team advertised for those who had become graduates after joining the Police Force up to that 1992 to resign and rejoin the Police Force and train afresh as ASP graduate cadets.”

Following the report that over 300 police officers including DCP Simon Asamber Lough (SAN); AIG Abdul Yari; AIG Idowu Owohunwa; AIG Ben Igwe; CP Peter Ukachi Opara; CP Obo Obo Ukani; and ACP Akpan Brown have been linked to an age falsification scandal within the Nigeria Police Force, Lough, the Head of Chambers, Legal Section of the Nigeria Police Force and the force first Senior Advocate as denied the allegation of backdating his police records to delay his retirement levelled against him by a civil society group, The Integrity Youth Alliance.

He has also demanded a retraction of the libellous report.

Prior to his demand, a source close to the officers named in the scandal described the publications about age falsification as false.

The source who does not want his name in print said: “Both the issue of falsification and retirement are false. None Of the officers forged or backdated his age. I know most of them.

“The facts are that they joined the Police Force as constables, some in about 1986. In 1992 the Police Force Management Team advertised for those who had become graduates after joining the Police Force up to that 1992 to resign and rejoin the Police Force and train afresh as ASP graduate cadets.

“All of them mentioned there among others resigned and rejoined as ASP Cadets, went through the required training and at the end were issued new employment letters and redeployed to serve at various formations and units.

“Before the 35-year due date for their retirement from the 1992 date, a new set of Police Management team asked them to retire from service based on the earlier 1986 date that they joined the Police Force as Constables. They refused since that no longer counted. When the Police Authorities insisted and tried to force them out, they went to Court and won.

“The Police Authorities had no choice but to implement the Court’s judgment and uphold a terminal date for their retirement from 1992.”

Counsel to DCP Lough, SAN, Adeleke Agboola, SAN in a 24 January 2025 letter, addressed to The Integrity Youth Alliance, Trojan Insight News and Sahara Reporters said: “We are instructed by DCP Simon Lough, SAN, the first police officer in Nigeria elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2021, and we have his instructions to write this letter.

‘’Our client’s attention has been drawn to the above-referenced story which has been published by different online media houses, like the TROJAN INSIGHT which tagged the defamatory statement thus:“SIMON LOUGH, NIGERIA POLICE LEGAL HEAD, OTHERS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR BACKDATING RECORDS TO DELAY RETIREMENT.

“Published online on the 19th January 2025 via https:/trojaninsights.com/simon-lough-nigeria-police-legal-head-others: under-investigation-for-backdating-records-to-delay-retirement.

“The Sahara Reporters also headlined the defamatory statement as: ‘Simon Lough, Nigeria Police Legal Head, Others Under Investigation For Backdating records To Delay Retirement’ via https://saharareporters.com/2025/01/19/simon-lough-nigeria-police-legal-head-others-under-investigation-backdating-records.

“It is our client’s express instruction that the above-captioned story as it relates to him at the material time is false. Our client was born on 14th May 1969 and joined the Police as a Cadet ASP on the 1st of May, 2000.

“Our client was never enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on January 8, 1987, and therefore could not have retired on January 8, 2022, as maliciously published by you, with the intention to besmirch his reputation.

“You published the defamatory and injurious story against our client without seeking his side of the story in accordance with the media principle and ethical responsibility of news balancing.

‘’Thus, DCP Simon Lough has requested a retraction of the defamatory statement made against him wherein he was listed among the police personnel engaged in the unethical practice of backdating their history records.’’

NBA AGC 2025 Early Bird registration, 30 more days to go!

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NBA AGC 2025 Early Bird registration, 30 more days to go!

30 more days and it will close! The Early bird registration for the 65th NBA AGC which began on January 1, 2025, will end on February 28, 2025.

When it closes, regular registration will commence on March 1, 2025, and run through May 31, 2025.

This year’s conference will take place in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NBA AGC is an annual event dedicated to exploring the latest developments in law and providing participants with the highest-level insights from leading experts in the field.

How to Register:
To register for the conference, please follow the simple step-by-step guide below:

  1. Visit the registration portal at https://agc.nigerianbar.org.ng/register/event.
  2. Click on “Register”.
  3. Select the “Individual” option.
  4. Input your details as prompted.
  5. Preview your details for accuracy.
  6. An email verification link will be sent to your registered email address (please check your spam folder if you do not see the email in your inbox).
  7. Proceed to login using the verified details.
  8. Click on “Make Payment” to complete your registration.
  9. Once payment is made, you will receive a receipt and a confirmation email.

Important Notes:
• Your Supreme Court Number (SCN) will serve as your unique identifier throughout the registration and conference process.
• QR codes will also be utilized for verification purposes during the event.
• We urge all registrants to ensure their email details are correctly entered to avoid delays in receiving verification and confirmation emails.

The NBA looks forward to welcoming you to this prestigious event, where critical legal issues and innovations will be discussed, and networking opportunities will abound. Act promptly to secure your participation at early bird rates, which will only be available until February 28, 2025. 

For registration inquiries or further assistance, please contact Sadeeq at: [email protected] or 09129209903(Strictly on Whatsapp).
Register today and join us for an unforgettable 2025 Annual General Conference!
Signed;
Chief Emeka Obegolu SAN, Chairman, AGCPC

Barbara Omosun, Esq.
Secretary AGCPC

General Agwai, Odinkalu, Okutepa, others call for accountability, merit and transparency recruitment process for security agents

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General Agwai, Odinkalu, Okutepa, others call for accountability, merit and transparency recruitment process for security agents
  • Task NJC and citizens to hold the judiciary to account

The call for merit and transparency in the recruitment process for security agents, institutional accountability, accountability for perpetrators of insecurity, punishment for electoral crimes and more were part of the resolutions at the annual House of Justice Summit held recently in Kaduna.

In the communiqué signed by the CEO of House of Justice, Gloria Ballason, and Luka Ashafa Odita, Lecturer in Criminology and Security Studies at Kaduna State University, the summit condemned the government’s policy of rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration programs for offenders while abandoning victims in internally displaced persons camps, which are sometimes re-attacked by terrorists.

The summit urged that: “Border communities should be enlightened on national consciousness. Proper advocacy on national identity will strengthen community-based border security which will enhance intelligence gathering, natural surveillance and will stifle the influx of weapons upon which non-state actors rely on”

They also asserted that government and security agencies should go after the sponsors of terrorism in the country while expressing concern that over the years, the government has not deployed concerted efforts towards tackling insecurity and its financiers.

On Nigeria’s justice system, it was resolved that: “There is need for judicial reforms and systematic and timely justice delivery. The justice system in Nigeria and Africa should dispense justice according to law.

“The National Judicial Council and citizens shall hold the judiciary to account. Judicial appointments should be apolitical and shall not devolve by ‘inheritance’ family or filial ties or through any primordial sentiments. The Justice sector shall be independent and shall be the pivotal institution that holds all other institutions accountable.”

Meanwhile, they counselled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should constitute persons who are above board.

Again, the summit in the communique charged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Ministry of Information to ensure civic spaces and platforms where citizens engage public office holders for greater accountability.

“Advocacy through skits on national ethics and principles should be used to enhance integrity, honesty, truth, justice, dignity of labor, love for neighbor and country and respect for ethics, values, rules and regulations.

“Family and community values and etiquettes that are in tandem with national culture should become part of our education curriculum. Student should be publicly awarded in both character and learning,” they urged.

In addition, the summit which had General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Professor Chris Kwaja, Honorable Sarah Reng Ochekpe, and Group Captain Sadeeq Garba Shehu (Rtd) as participants charged that:

“Community-based and structured reconciliation forum should be initiated to push for restorative justice in communities that are experiencing both intercommunal and ethno-religious conflicts.

“There should be more focus on programs for victims than perpetrators. The Government shall ensure security and welfare is primary in line with Section 14 2 (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“Psycho-social healing for primary and secondary victims should be prioritized as material palliation. There is the need to set up trauma response centres across communities that have suffered terror and in places of worship. It is imperative to disaggregate trauma-healing nuggets in easily understood and used formats so victims can have access to the information and tools for their healing.”

Other participants at the event included: Dr. Mike Omeri, Mr. Chima Christian, Audu Adamu Maikori, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, and Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, represented by ACP Badamasi Musa.

DigiCivic Initiative, Accountability Lab and National Human Rights Commission host digital rights workshop for judicial officers in Abuja

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DigiCivic Initiative, Accountability Lab and National Human Rights Commission host digital rights workshop for judicial officers in Abuja

The place of digital rights— those human rights that apply to the digital world, including security, freedom of expression, privacy, access to information, and more — came to the fore between 27 to 28 January 2025 when DigiCivic Initiative, in partnership with Accountability Lab and the National Human Rights Commission trained judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory.

The training was on digital rights, data privacy and data protection at the Digital Rights Innovation Lab Workshop. The program was an initiative to increase digital literacy within the justice sector so as to improve knowledge and the capacity of Judges and Magistrates on digital rights, privacy and emerging issues.

The 2-day event had in attendance, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Judges from the Federal High Court, Judges from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

Participants at the event

The feedback from the exercise revealed the importance of digital literacy in Nigeria especially within the justice sector.

At the workshop, participants learnt technical terms, and salient principles on digital rights, such as Net Neutrality, access to the Internet, encryption, information technologies, censorship Prior Restraint, Cross-border transfer of data, Internet shutdowns, Network blocking and emerging issues like the right to the Internet.

The facilitator, Mojirayo Ogunlana, a Digital Rights expert in the West African region, took participants on the importance of the digital environment and the role of the Judiciary in interpreting and upholding existing laws related to online freedoms, reviewing government actions that might infringe on digital rights and hold tech companies responsible for digital rights violations.

The training objective was to increase awareness and understanding of digital rights among members of the judiciary, enhance their capacity to adjudicate digital rights cases and reinforce commitment to ethical data practices, to enhance their capacity for delivering rulings that protect access to information, privacy and freedom of expression in the digital space, and actively educate themselves on emerging digital technologies and their implications for human rights in the digital space.

The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Honourable Justice JT Tsoho while commending the Facilitator for the rich discourse on digital rights, observed that the right to be forgotten as a concept under the Nigerian Data Protection Act was quite intriguing and asked how one would know that their data has been removed as requested when dealing with data controllers and processors in a country like Nigeria where there are more 200 Million people to administer.

He emphasized the importance of creating awareness on digital rights for the masses so that they can better be positioned to protect their rights.

Man who voted for Trump cries out as immigration officers for take his wife for deportation (video)

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Man who voted for Trump cries out as immigration officers for take his wife for deportation (video)

A man who supported and voted for Donald Trump to be the President of the United State of America is crying out for help after his Venezuelan wife was picked up by immigration officers. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids were reportedly conducted across South Florida on Sunday, Jan. 26, as President Trump begins to make good on his promise to increase the deportation of undocumented migrants. 

One husband exclusively told CBS News Miami that his wife was taken during one of these raids in the Miami neighbourhood of Brownsville. 

“It’s despicable what they’re doing right now,” he said. “It’s very embarrassing.” 

The man told CBS News Miami that he wanted Mr. Trump to let his wife stay in the U.S., as their 11th anniversary is on Friday. 

When asked if she was in the process of getting her U.S. citizenship, the man told CBS News Miami that she was right in the middle of it. 

The man’s wife, who’s Venezuelan and has lived in the U.S. for a few years, had a court date set up and “everything was good” until that moment. 

“They just came and they snatched her,” the man said. 

The husband begged president Trump for mercmercy, saying: “If I get a chance to talk to you, man — please, man — let’s work something out. Let me keep my wife here in the United States. She deserves to be here.” 

Meanwhile, Americans on X are laughing at the man. 

"Let

Watch the video below.

Reversal of Erroneous Bank Transfers: Are the Customary Courts now grabbing the Magistrates’ and High Courts’ jurisdiction?

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Reversal of Erroneous Bank Transfers: Are the Customary Courts now grabbing the Magistrates’ and High Courts’ jurisdiction?

A Passionate Call to the Chief Judges to stem this dangerous tide of jurisdictional Usurpation

By Olumide Babalola

In January 2025, when a financial institution was threatened with contempt proceedings and garnishee proceedings for their alleged failure to comply with an order of a Customary Court sitting in Oyo State, we were briefed to enter appearance, and I had to personally attend the court to contain the situation.

The journey was about 40 minutes out of Ibadan to a remote village or town known as “Iroko.” On a lighter note, Google map could not even take me there; navigation satellite rather suggested Iroko TV

It was my first appearance at a customary court—an unfamiliar terrain and under unimagined circumstances—garnishee proceedings bearing threatened contempt proceedings against our client.

Happily, I was able to get the client discharged, but the demeanour of the learned judges confirmed to me that such proceedings might have become a staple cause in their courts. These courts are historically and primarily tasked with resolving issues related to land disputes, succession, inheritance, and matrimonial causes based on customary law, as they have become an integral part of the country’s judicial structure. However, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years: cases involving Erroneous bank transfers are being litigated in these same courts, raising serious questions about the boundaries of their jurisdiction and the proper application of the law.

Customary Courts and Their Limited Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of customary courts in Nigeria is clearly defined and confined to matters relating to native law and custom. Disputes involving land ownership, inheritance rights, and matrimonial issues are the bread and butter of customary courts, as these matters are deeply connected to the social fabric and traditions of local communities. However, an emerging and concerning phenomenon has seen matters unrelated to customary law, such as disputes over erroneous bank transfers, being brought before these courts. Such disputes are often based on banking services, torts of negligence, or breaches of contract—none of which fall within the scope of native law or custom. These cases, rooted in modern financial transactions and contract law, do not have the cultural traditional relevance that would justify their adjudication by customary courts.

Jurisdictional Conflict: The Case of Erroneous Bank Transfers

Erroneous bank transfers typically arise when funds are transferred in error from one bank customer’s account to another, often due to clerical mistakes or technological glitches. The legal remedy for such issues typically lies in contract law, tort law, or consumer protection statutes, and the proper venue for these cases is a court with general jurisdiction over civil matters, such as a High Court or a Magistrates Court. Customary courts, on the other hand, are not equipped or authorized to adjudicate on these matters, as they fall outside the realm of customary or native law.vThe growing trend of litigating banking-related issues in customary courts, particularly those concerning erroneous bank transfers, represents a jurisdictional overreach that risks undermining the integrity of the judicial system. It is critical to note that customary courts do not have the statutory or legal framework to address matters such as breaches of banking contracts or negligence claims, which are inherently tied to modern commercial law

Garnishee Proceedings and Enforcement of Judgments The problem is further compounded by the practice of enforcing judgments issued by customary courts through garnishee proceedings. Garnishee proceedings, governed by the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act (SCPA), are meant to be used by specific courts—namely, the High Courts and Magistrate Courts. The SCPA’s interpretation section explicitly states that only these two types of courts have the jurisdiction to issue Garnishee Orders to show cause, a process that allows creditors to collect debt directly from a third party holding the debtor’s funds, such as a bank.

Yet we are witnessing situations where customary courts, in the course of enforcing judgments, are invoking garnishee proceedings. This raises serious concerns, as these courts do not have the authority to do so under the SCPA, and such actions risk violating the clear division of responsibilities between different levels of the Nigerian court system.

Further complicating matters, the Customary Court Rules, including those under the Customary Courts Law of Lagos State, specifically vest the enforcement of money judgments with magistrate courts. For instance, Order 9 Rule 1 of the Lagos State Customary Court Rules clearly states that only Magistrates’ Courts have the power to enforce monetary judgments. This misalignment between the customary courts and the relevant enforcement mechanisms suggests a serious legal inconsistency that undermines
the integrity of the enforcement process.

The Need for Judicial Reassessment

The judicial system in Nigeria, as in any country, thrives on clarity, consistency, and adherence to established legal principles. The increasing trend of bringing banking and financial disputes, such as erroneous bank transfers, before customary courts represents a disturbing erosion of this principle. Customary courts were not designed to adjudicate on issues pertaining to modern financial transactions, and their involvement in such matters only risks clouding their true purpose: to preserve and enforce native law and customs.

It is, therefore, crucial for the Chief Judges of respective states to address this jurisdictional issue. The involvement of customary courts in matters beyond their statutory remit not only jeopardizes the integrity of the judicial system but also creates confusion among litigants about the proper forum for their disputes. The judiciary must take steps to reaffirm the limited scope of customary courts and ensure that matters involving banking errors, breaches of contract, and negligence are directed to the appropriate courts with the necessary jurisdiction and expertise.

Our Colleagues at the Bar need to do better
In 2025, it is unimaginable that we would be arguing and filing objections on whether or not customary courts have jurisdiction to entertain banker/customer disputes. The civil jurisdiction of these courts is identical nationwide. For context, section 22 and the first schedule of the Customary Courts Law, Chapter C19, Laws Of Lagos State, 2015 prescribe the court’s jurisdiction, thus:

“(1) Unlimited jurisdiction in matrimonial causes and other matters between persons married under Customary Law or arising from or connected with a union contracted under Customary Law and related matters.

(2) Unlimited jurisdiction in suits relating to the guardianship and custody of children under customary law.

(3) A Customary Court shall have jurisdiction in causes and matters relating to inheritance upon intestacy and the administration of intestate estates under Customary Law, provided that the Customary Court shall not have jurisdiction where the value of the property or claim exceeds Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00).

(4) A Customary Court shall have civil jurisdiction in other causes and matters as conferred under any bye-law passed by a local government, provided the claim does not exceed Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00).”

What runs through the provision is “customary law,” hence any matter that does not relate to customary law is beyond the reach of customary courts. Banker/customer relationships are within the precinct of banking law, tort law, and the law of contract, except the reversal is to be made from a bank registered under customary law—I doubt if one exists in Nigeria.

Recommendations for Reform
The Chief Judges should issue directives or practice notes clarifying the jurisdictional limits of customary courts, particularly concerning banking and financial disputes. These directives should emphasize that customary courts are not competent to adjudicate matters involving erroneous bank transfers, contract disputes, or tort claims.

Conclusion
The judiciary is the cornerstone of any legal system, and it is vital that each level of the court system remains true to its function. While customary courts serve an important role in preserving and adjudicating matters of native law and custom, it is critical that their jurisdiction remain limited to those areas. The encroachment of banking and commercial disputes into these courts poses a threat to the clarity and efficiency of Nigeria’s judicial system. The Chief Judges of the respective states must take immediate action to clarify the jurisdiction of customary courts and prevent further jurisdictional overreach, ensuring that the legal system remains fair, transparent, and capable of handling the complex issues of modern society. If we are not careful, we may wake up one day to a maritime of fundamental rights matters before the customary courts. Let’s take heed while the sun is still out

ACCI DG calls for collaboration to make 2025 business-friendly

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ACCI DG calls for collaboration to make 2025 business-friendly

The Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Agabaidu C. Jideani, has issued a strong call to action for the government and private sector to create a business-friendly environment in 2025.

In his statement, Mr. Jideani highlighted the need to address pressing challenges that hinder the growth of businesses in Nigeria, such as regulatory burdens, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to finance stating that the government and private sector must work together to create a conducive business environment that supports the growth and development of businesses in Nigeria.

The ACCI Director-General emphasised that the government should prioritize the implementation of business-friendly policies and focus on improving budget execution, particularly in infrastructure development.

He urged the government to amongst other things streamline regulatory frameworks to eliminate overlapping and complex processes that burden businesses, expedite tax reforms to address multiple taxation, simplify procedures, and reduce costs and delays in obtaining permits and licenses, and ensure effective and timely implementation of infrastructural projects to enhance the operating environment for businesses.

“The government must create a stable and supportive environment that inspires confidence among investors and businesses alike,” Mr Jideani stated.

While also addressing the private sector, Mr. Jideani called for a proactive approach to adapting to the evolving business climate. He encouraged businesses to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.

He also added that businesses to embrace flexible work arrangements, such as remote working, to reduce costs and foster a better work-life balance for employees and invest in staff welfare and development to boost productivity, enhance talent retention, and improve overall business performance.

Mr. Jideani also underscored the importance of supporting SMEs, which play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development. He identified the following as key areas of focus:
• Reducing regulatory burdens to allow SMEs to operate efficiently.
• Enhancing access to affordable financing and resources to enable growth and sustainability.
• Protecting SMEs from harassment and intimidation by government agencies and municipal authorities.

According to a press statement signed by Olayemi R. John-Mensah, the ACCI Media/Strategy Officer, the DG ACCI further emphasised the urgency of addressing these challenges and implementing reforms, noting that the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has consistently advocated for business-friendly policies in the fiscal year 2025.

“By working together, the government and private sector can create a conducive business environment that fosters growth, development, and prosperity,” he said.
The ACCI remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in Nigeria’s business ecosystem.

Argentina government plans to remove femicide from penal code

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Argentina government plans to remove femicide from penal code

In the latest attack on women’s rights, the government of Argentina is seeking to remove legal recognition of gender-based killings.

Femicide will be struck from Argentina’s penal code, according to a vow from the administration of Javier Milei, the president. It is his administration’s latest attack on women’s rights.

Mariano Cúneo Libarona, the justice minister, said the government will “eliminate the figure of femicide from the Argentine penal code” adding that feminism was a “distortion of the concept of equality”.

“This administration defends equality before the law enshrined in our national constitution. No life is worth more than another,” Cúneo Libarona said.

Femicide – the murder by a man of a woman in the context of gender violence – was added to the penal code as an aggravating factor of homicides in 2012, and is punishable with life imprisonment.

The announcement came shortly after Milei decried the concept of femicide at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and said that “equality before the law already exists in the west. Everything else is just seeking privileges.”

“We’ve reached the point that in many supposedly civilised countries, if a woman is killed, it is called femicide. And this carries more serious punishment than if you kill a man simply based on the sex of the victim – legally making a woman’s life be worth more than that of a man,” he said.

According to a report by the Argentina’s observatory of femicides of the ombudsman of the nation, 295 femicides were recorded between 1 January and 31 December last year.

Mariela Belski, Amnesty Argentina’s executive director, said it was “deeply concerning” that violence against women is not “being understood” by the state. Although globally there are more homicides of men than women, the home is the most dangerous place for women and girls, she said. Sixty per cent of women are killed by their partners or family members, compared with 12% of men.

“Removing femicide as a legal category would pose a greater danger to women and girls,” Belski said.

Argentina has a recent history of strong feminist mobilisation. In 2015, a wave of marches against femicide sparked similar protests in Peru, Uruguay, Italy and Germany, while the country’s Green Wave movement was instrumental in securing safe abortion rights in 2020. Argentina was also the first Latin American country to implement a parliamentary quota system for women in 1991.

But with that progress has come a push-back – a sentiment that Milei successfully tapped into during his campaigning. “I won’t apologise for having a penis,” he said in 2022.

Since taking power, Milei has eliminated the ministry of women and dissolved the undersecretariat for protection against gender violence. He has cut back programmes providing support for victims of gender violence, and at Davos attacked the “bloody and murderous abortion agenda”. In November, Argentina was the only country to vote against a UN general assembly resolution to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

“It is more of the same misogyny that this government promised in its electoral campaign and that deepens day by day,” said Soledad Deza, a prominent lawyer and president of the feminist organisation Mujeres x Mujeres.

As it ramps up its “cultural battle” against “wokeism”, Milei’s government is also now working to repeal legislation including labour quotas for sexual minorities, gender parity in electoral lists and non-binary identity documents. The administration also aims to overturn Micaela’s Law, which establishes mandatory training in gender issues for public employees.

“The Micaela Law was created because Micaela’s femicide, like so many others, could have been avoided if the people involved in the days, months and years before had made decisions with a gender perspective,” said Nestor García, the father of Micaela García, whose death led to the law’s creation. “This is a very dangerous issue … to promote these policies against the gender perspective, which are in my opinion in breach of the constitution of our country.”

Milei’s decision also comes as Donald Trump – who has called his Argentine counterpart his “favourite president” – has begun his own crusade against gender and diversity policies. In the past week, Trump has said diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives were “dangerous, demeaning and immoral” and revoked orders aimed at preventing discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Harriet Barber.

A Pandemic of violence

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A Pandemic of violence

By Olufunke Baruwa

Nigeria faces a dual crisis of violence against women and children. Alarming rates of child abuse and femicide reflect deep societal issues rooted in systemic inequality, weak law enforcement, and economic hardships. Violence, sadly, is becoming normalised rather than the exception.

According to UN Women, femicide—the killing of a woman or girl by a man due to her gender—is the most extreme manifestation of gender-based violence. In 2023, 51,100 women were killed globally by intimate partners or family members, with Africa accounting for 40% of these deaths.

Femicide in Nigeria is fuelled by harmful social norms and cultural practices. Women of all ages, social classes, ethnicities, and religions can become victims—whether at the hands of husbands, intimate partners, or strangers, such as ritualists or criminals involved in “one-chance” robberies. These acts are further compounded by victim-blaming, where society unjustly attributes the violence to the victim’s behaviour or life’s choices.

Child abuse, encompassing physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological harm, remains widespread. The World Health Organization estimates that six in ten children (400 million) under five globally experience physical punishment or psychological violence, impairing their lifelong physical and mental health at the hands of their parents or caregivers.

Incidents of severe physical punishment, including deaths resulting from flogging in schools, highlight the societal acceptance of corporal punishment. Poverty, cultural norms, childhood trauma, weak protection systems, and conflict are among the key drivers. Economic hardship pushes families to exploit children for labour or force them into early marriages, further perpetuating cycles of vulnerability.

Corporal Punishment: A Controversial Practice

Many Nigerians defend corporal punishment as a method of discipline. However, this practice often escalates into abuse, leaving long-term psychological scars. While proponents argue, “This is how we were raised, and we turned out fine,” the prevalence of unresolved trauma, low self-esteem, and short tempers in society suggests otherwise. Victims of child abuse often suffer long-term psychological trauma, poor educational outcomes, and grievous physical harm, perpetuating cycles of poverty and vulnerability.

In Lagos, a teacher was arrested following a disturbing viral video on social media which showed her slapping a three-year-old boy in class. Similarly, in Anambra, Kaduna and Ogun, students were flogged to death – these heartbreaking stories are a sad conclusion that Nigeria has a pandemic of violence against women and children.

The normalisation of corporal punishment reflects unaddressed psychological issues stemming from childhood abuse. Without access to therapy or psychological support, these traumas often manifest in harmful behaviours or mental health crises. Corporal punishment is barbaric, it no longer has a place in our society and does not necessarily instil discipline and character in children. If it did, a vast majority of Nigerians above 50 should be of excellent character but our society points otherwise.

Economic hardship forces many families to exploit children for labour or subject them to harmful practices such as child marriage while disciplinary practices that normalise corporal punishment often escalate into abuse. Limited enforcement of child rights laws and inadequate child welfare services leave children vulnerable and in conflict zones, children face heightened risks of abduction, recruitment into armed groups, and exploitation.

Although Nigeria has ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), enforcement remains weak. Support systems such as shelters, counselling, and rehabilitation programs are scarce and underfunded. Efforts to address violence often face resistance due to deeply ingrained societal norms that prioritise tradition over reform.

The Crisis of Femicide

Femicide in Nigeria is driven by patriarchy, impunity, economic dependence, and harmful cultural and religious beliefs. Deeply entrenched gender norms render women subordinate, increasing their vulnerability to violence. Perpetrators often escape justice due to inadequate investigations and societal acceptance of violence.

Deep-seated gender norms often render women and girls subordinate, increasing their vulnerability to violence and perpetrators of femicide frequently escape justice due to inadequate investigations and societal acceptance of violence. Many women are financially reliant on abusive partners or family members which can trap women in dangerous situations while practices such as widowhood rituals and harmful stereotypes contribute to violence against women.

The consequences of femicide extend beyond individual victims, affecting families, communities, and societal stability. The loss of women’s contributions to society further entrenches inequality. Public reactions to femicide cases often involve victim-blaming, with accusations of promiscuity or disobedience used to justify the violence. This culture of shaming is even more deleterious, perpetuates impunity and further endangers women.

Recent cases in Nigeria underscore the brutality of femicide: a 24-year-old woman decapitated by an acquaintance in Abuja, a wheelchair-bound 74-year-old elderly woman burned to death in Anambra, a middle-aged wife set on fire by her husband over unfounded infidelity accusations and another young woman dismembered by twin brothers in Ogun. The situation is no different in Kenya where a man was found with the dismembered body of his 19-year-old wife. These stories reveal the pervasive violence against women that transcends age, social class, and geography.

Once a woman is killed by her intimate partner or a total stranger, the first public reaction and first line of defence by the perpetrator is that she is promiscuous, disobedient or unfaithful. These statements are often a cheap escape route to elicit sympathy from the public to justify the gruesome act.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

To stem this tide of violence, Nigeria must adopt a multi-pronged approach. First by strengthening legal frameworks to ensure robust enforcement of existing laws and enact comprehensive legislation. Secondly, we must urgently and collectively raise awareness through advocacy and sensitisation campaigns to shift cultural norms, encourage healthy discipline, promote gender equality and positive masculinity.

Then, enhance support services by investing in accessible, well-funded support systems and empower women and children by providing economic opportunities and education to reduce dependency and increase agency. Lastly, continuous education and awareness to shift negative social norms as well as working closely with faith and culture leaders to challenge harmful practices and promote accountability.

For parents and guardians, what are the alternatives to corporal punishment? Healthy forms of discipline include setting clear boundaries, praising and incentivizing positive behaviour, explaining consequences calmly, redirecting unwanted behaviour, giving choices where appropriate, using time-outs when necessary, leading by example, and actively listening to the child’s perspective, all while focusing on teaching and guiding rather than punishing can foster obedience and mutual respect. Corporal punishment, shaming, and excessive anger harm children’s development and self-esteem. A focus on teaching and guidance, rather than punishment, can nurture well-rounded individuals.

To address femicide, a bouquet of comprehensive prevention efforts focusing on education and changing harmful social norms, robust legal frameworks with effective enforcement, strong support systems for survivors, empowering women economically and socially, engaging men and boys in prevention, robust data collection and analysis to understand the issue, and addressing the root causes of gender inequality across sectors like healthcare, education, and employment to achieve systemic change.

Addressing child abuse and femicide requires collective action from the government, civil society, and communities. By tackling root causes and fostering an environment of accountability and support, Nigeria can work towards breaking the cycle of violence and creating a safer future for all especially its most vulnerable.

Nursing mother allegedly murders maid for watching TV with her children

Law & Society Magazine
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Nursing mother allegedly murders maid for watching TV with her children

For watching television with her kids in Owerri, Imo State, a nursing mother has reportedly killed her underage housemaid.

But for some intervention, the lady would have been lynched by an infuriated mob. 

A video shared online showed the woman carrying her child in a hospital in Owerri where the young girl died on account of the deep injuries allegedly inflicted on her. 

As a crowd gathered around the hospital, voices could be heard in the video accusing the woman while the girl was shown lying lifeless in a hospital bed. 

As they confronted the woman, the crowd at some point got agitated but someone warned them not to hit the nursing mother. 

“Guy, no hit am, no hit am,” a voice is heard saying. 

“She’s going to NAPTIP straight,” another says. 

According to journalist Nonsonkwa Ochi War, the woman was apprehended by neighbours after the incident. 

The underage maid was said to have been punished for sitting with the woman’s children to watch TV and this ultimately resulted in her death. 

In the video trending online, the nursing mother was seen explaining herself but the crowd’s voice drowned hers. 

“Very wicked woman. Is that not someone’s child?” Someone asked while showing the body of the maid. 

“See her body, see what she did to her,” onlookers are heard saying as they film the girl’s body with their phones.

The woman was later heard narrating how she went to the market, returned home, and started cooking, but the voice of the crowd again drowned hers while they called her names. 

See Also: Did you know that Francia Marquez, VP of Colombia was a housemaid? Watch out for that house-help you’re brutalising…

“You’re wicked. You’re a wicked soul,” they tell her, adding, “See the child she took.” 

The video has sparked outrage online, with many joining the woman’s neighbours to call for justice for the child. 

Watch the video below.

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