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Viral Video of a Woman in a Cell with Men and Children: A call for serious reforms in policing tactics and policy

By Bayo Akinlade

DSN received several posts regarding the lady in the Maroko Police Cell and we were asked to look into it and investigate it’s authenticity.

I was confident that the NBA Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, headed by the Vice Chair of the Branch would act on the issue and report back and she did.

I have considered the report of the NBA Vice Chair, I have watched a followup video of the woman who allegedly made the viral video thanking the police for assisting her even though it was the same police that put her in the worrisome position in the first place and finally, I have considered the excuse given by the police themselves through its PPRO.

I will not engage on who is right or who is wrong but the following is clear and these questions should be asked;

  1. Can the police arrest people on the streets without following due process?
  2. The Administration of criminal justice Law of Lagos State prescribes conditions and circumstances for arrests…were these conditions followed strictly by the arresting officers?
  3. Recently, the Nigerian police has been going around arresting people and accusing them of wandering…is wandering an offense because I am begining to wonder now
  4. Is the Police station in Maroko supposed to look like a den for miscreants?
  5. Where there no chairs for these people to sit on that we saw them on the floor?
  6. There is no report that anyone of those in the video were actually committing a crime at the time of arrest

I have concerns which are yet to be addressed by the police and the Attorney General of Lagos State. Let me be clear, we have received credible reports that the Nigerian police is raiding citizens and extorting them and their families for money. It is a fact that this is going on with the full knowledge of the government and the Judiciary at the mobile courts, otherwise why have we continued to see great numbers of poor people and even others at police cells with the word “wandering” on the crime boards.

We continue to sweep the dirt under the carpet but one day the carpet won’t be able to hide the dirt.

The police should desist from indiscriminate arrest and detention in Lagos State or anywhere else in Nigeria for that matter. Nigeria is not a police state, we are free to conduct our lawful business at anytime of the day and night and it is our right to have the police protect us and not arrest us while going about our lawful human endeavors.

Bayo Akinlade is Convener, Duty Solicitors Network

Now The Table Has Turned: Did you know that IMF borrowed from Nigeria 50 years ago?

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has since confirmed that Nigeria took loans worth well over $31.98 billion from World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and others.

In a 2017 interview, an elder statesman and Minister of Finance in the Second Republic, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji disclosed that that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) requested and got a loan from Nigeria in 1974.

This disclosure, which is a surprise to many Nigerians, was made during a visit by Senator Shehu Sani to the elder statement in Sokoto.

Alhaji Alhaji stated that he was the one that signed-off on the loan when he was the permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance in 1974.

“In 1974 when I was a permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the IMF approached us for a loan. I signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria. Unfortunately, today expenses of government have driven us into recession,’’ he said.

Immediately after the civil war in 1970, the high price of oil and surge in demand for Nigerian oil created a situation of excess funds in the country. The country’s excess reserve was so much that Gen. Yakubu Gowon, then Head of State, said the problem of the country is not money but how to actually spend it.

However, there is a reversal of fortune in the present-day Nigeria as the former minister said: “I weep for Nigeria for what it has become today. The country has vast resources that if well harnessed, could lead the country to greater heights.”

Mismanagement of resources and corruption in government were identified as major hindrances to development in the country. Over-reliance on oil made the country to be vulnerable to externals shocks, thus triggering economic problems when there is a sneeze in the global commodity market.

“Aside from oil and agriculture, Nigeria had industries that were earning foreign exchange for it. Agriculture and the industries were allowed to recede and when global fuel prices crashed, we are nowhere today.”

Alhaji Alhaji is one of the few super permanent secretaries Nigeria has produced. ‘Super permanent secretary’ is any career civil servant that was able to achieve promotion to be a minister after getting to the peak of his career.

Pulse.ng

FCT Administration issues final demand notice to Maitama property owners

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a two weeks demand notice to property owners in Maitama, Abuja.

Click here to download demand notice.

maitama-II-final_1127373original

I was summoned to play for Super Eagles just after a bowl of pounded yam— Akpoborie

An ex-Nigerian striker, Jonathan Akpoborie, recently recounted an unusual and unexpected call-up to the Super Eagles during a game against Togo.

In an interview with Elegbete TV Sports, Akpoborie shared how he found himself on the pitch after watching the match from the stands, following a hearty meal of pounded yam at the home of Honourable Nduka Irabor.

He said, “I was at Nduka’s house and we had pounded yam. He convinced me that we should go and watch the game. I said Area Boys won’t let me rest but he said we should just go to the stadium.”

At halftime, with Nigeria trailing 1-0, Akpoborie was approached with a surprising message.

“Somebody walked up to me in the second half and said Bonfrere Jo [the coach] asked me to come,” Akpoborie recalled. “I looked at Nduka and asked, ‘How did Bonfrere know I was here?’”

It turned out that news of Akpoborie’s presence had reached Bonfrere Jo, who had been pressured by Nigerian football fans and officials to include the striker in the squad.

“They said I should come to the dressing room. At an international game!” he exclaimed.

Despite just having finished a meal, Akpoborie was summoned to the dressing room, where his boots and jersey awaited him.

“I had just eaten pounded yam, but they said I had to play,” Akpoborie said, adding that when Nigeria calls, “you can’t say no.”

He eventually suited up and took to the field.

“After that game, I went with that team to America,” he added.

Akpoborie also addressed rumours surrounding his exclusion from Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic football squad, dismissing claims of tribal bias or any cabal-related issues.

He clarified that Kanu Nwankwo, a key member of the squad, arrived late due to his heart surgery but was always part of the team.

Akpoborie explained that while Bonfrere Jo wanted him in the Olympic squad, Nigeria’s overage player limit left him as an alternate.

“Bonfrere had the three overaged players that he wanted — Uche Okechukwu, Emmanuel Amunike, and Daniel Amokachi. If one of them got injured, I would have been the replacement,” he explained.

Viral video shows male and female inmates in Maroko police cell in Lagos, police refute claims

A trending video has shown how male and female suspects including young persons were stuffed together in a Maroko police cell in Lagos State Nigeria.

A woman identified as Real Omo claimed that officers from the Lagos State Police Command detained her, along with other women, in a single cell with men at the Maroko Police Station, located in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

The woman made the allegation in a viral video shared on Monday by a user identified as Oyindamola, tweeting as #dammiedammie35 on X.com.

She explained that she and the other women were picked up by the police while walking in an undisclosed area of Lekki, expressing her disbelief at the situation.

“Men and women are together in the cell. There are even young children with us. We don’t know what to do. Please, come to our aid. We are at the Maroko Police Station, and we need help right now,” she pleaded.

“Last night, they picked us up and arrested us. They said we couldn’t walk because they were conducting a raid. How was I supposed to know there was a raid in Lekki? I’m a victim. Please, this is Real Omo speaking. They said I’m going to prison—for walking at night? This is too much to bear. Does this make sense?” she asked.

The video also showed an open roof and broken parts of the cell wall.

In response to the tweet, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, refuted the woman’s claims. In a tweet posted on Monday, Hundeyin clarified that the individuals were kept in a “holding area” where they were visible to officers on duty at the charge room.

He explained that once individuals are moved into the main cell, they are separated by gender and are not allowed to use mobile phones.

Hundeyin wrote, “That is a holding area where they are visible to officers on duty at the charge room (counter). Once they move into the proper cell, they are separated, and they would not even have their phones with them.”

However, in an accompanying video shared by Hundeyin, five men and five women were seen facing the wall.

The officer in the video stated, “This is an open cell. These are children who have been roaming the streets and ran away from their homes. The residents of Lekki brought them to the station, and most of their parents had already collected them. They were only kept in an open cell at the back of the charge room.”

The video also showed the charge room, with the officer explaining that the individuals in question “chose” to stay along the passage leading to the male and female cells.

Watch the video below.

Use Nigeria’s commonwealth to rebuild the country, not the pervasive avarice to embezzle public funds for personal aggrandizement — Ezeilo, SAN

By Joy Ezeilo, SAN

I’ve noticed that I only receive the usual “Happy New Month” messages. Have Nigerians forgotten that today is a celebration of our independence? I’ve replied to a few of the “Happy New Month” messages, adding, “I wish you a happy celebration of Nigeria’s Independence.” This has led to long, frustrating discussions about the challenges of life, extreme poverty, and insecurity. True talk, however, disagrees that there is nothing to celebrate. 

Do you remember our original national anthem, now the new anthem? The stanza or famous first line – “our own dear native land” resonates with me. I found myself humming the song, daydreaming of better times and feeling nostalgic for what may seem like the good old days. It’s a reminder of the continuing failure of past and present leaders to build a nation where we can all lay claim to a better life as patriotic and good citizens.

Happy Independence! Nigeria, we hail thee! I wave the flag to praise your resilience @ 64.  That you haven’t died is an uncommon miracle to celebrate. Do you agree or believe? Then, you must stand up and wave the national flag in solidarity! 

I urge the government at all levels to diligently implement and translate the national anthem’s words into action so that we hand on to our children a banner  (flag) without stain.

Our leaders or rulers should use the commonwealth of Nigeria to rebuild the country, not the pervasive avarice to embezzle public funds for personal aggrandizement whilst the nation bleeds. Again, do you agree or believe? Then, you must stand up, wave the national flag in solidarity, and demand accountability.

How Police in Imota Lagos detained suspect for 4 days, asked wife to bring sureties who own land or work as civil servants

By Adebayo Akinlade

POLICE AND BAIL CONDITIONS

To the Judiciary, did you know that police are now doing the job of judges in the police stations? The police is sitting as judges deciding which party is guilty and prescribing bail conditions?

Did you know that police are summoning lawyers of complainants and suspects to come to the police station to agree come to the police station to agree on terms of settlement?

TO Attorney General and DPP; do you know that the police are no longer doing investigations? They arrest and detain first and then ask questions (like the military…obey before complain)

Do you know that they are still taking statements of suspects in a way that violates the ACJL?

Do you know that they are making a mockery of your respective offices?

To Lawyers; are you aware that you have sold your birthright every time you advice your client to petition the police for purely civil transactions?

Are you aware that you are the main cause of these injustices suffered by many citizens in the hands of the police?.

The picture above shows a bail condition given to the wife of a suspect in police custody.

Her husband was arrested on Friday 27th of September 2024 on a complaint that he is yet to pay back the balance owed to the complainant. (A civil case)

As at today; 1st October 2024 ( 4 days in police custody ), the suspect is still in detention.

Oga Commissioner of Police we clapped for you when you said that police should not handle any civil cases. We were happy when we heard that they will be dealt with but like the words of politicians that carry no weight and has no value we have experienced a rude shock and a brutal awakening.

Mr. DPO in Imota Police Station in Ikorodu you thread on dangerous grounds when you violate constitutional provisions regarding arrest and detention. How much did you collect from the complainant to make you so bold as to violate our apex law? Is it worth the pain suffered by the suspect and his family?

Are you not aware of the existence of a small claims court where citizens can recover monies owed to them? Are you not educated enough to know the difference between a civil case and a criminal case? Are you not wise enough to counsel complainants on the procedures laid down to recover monies owed to them?

Nigeria Citizens…Today we celebrate our independence day, this country can only develop if it’s citizens develop. A country can only be better if it’s citizens play their part to make it better.

Stop oppressive behavior and you will have good governance

Stop corruption at the lowest level and our leaders will lead well

Stop cheating and manipulating people because you can and our government will provide the enabling environment for each to prosper.

You complain of BAD GOVERNANCE, CORRUPTION AND HUNGER IN THE LAND? TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR…Who is the culprit here?

Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) condemns every act of abuse of police powers. #STOPTHEABUSE

Ex-CJN Onnoghen, others rejoice with Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN & Associates on Ibrahim George’s conferment as SAN

Former Chief Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen

Along with other notable Nigerians, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Hon. Justice Walter S.N Onnoghen felicitated with the chambers of Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN & Associates following the preferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, of its Head of Chambers, George Ibrahim.

Ibrahim George, SAN and wife cutting his preferment cake
“This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN appears to be saying about his Head of Chambers, Ibrahim George, SAN

Justice Onnoghen who attended the reception which took place at HOKF Garden in Wuye, Abuja expressed confidence that George Ibrahim, SAN will do the legal profession proud.

Ibrahim was among the 87 legal practitioners sworn in on Monday by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The inauguration was particularly notable, as it marked Her Lordship’s first official duty after being sworn in the same day as the substantive CJN by President Bola Tinubu following her confirmation by the Nigerian Senate last week.

There were 127 applicants for SAN rank for the 2024 exercise. Out of this number, 114 are legal practitioners and 13 are academics. The total number of qualified applicants after the preliminary screening was 98.

However, after conducting the specified screening and filtration exercises, which include several appearances in superior courts, recommendations by justices of the Supreme Court and judges of superior courts, chambers inspections; approval on eligibility and integrity of the candidates from the Nigerian Bar Association, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the general public, among others, the LPPC approved 87 successful candidates.

Below are other photos of the event.

Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN
Mrs. Rosemary Onoja
The new Silk with Stephen Adehi, SAN
Moses Ebute, SAN and Dr. Amodu
Chief Onoja and Lillian Okenwa
The new Silk and Lillian Okenwa
Dr. Onoja, SAN and Chair, NBA Abuja (Unity Bar) Steve Emelieze

Access to the Internet: Bridging the gap for women and girls

By Mojirayo Ogunlana

For some years now I have found it difficult to celebrate the 1960 independence from a perspective of celebrating past victories- specifically freedom. Freedom means so many things these days and this 64th celebration I reflect on what the word ‘freedom” portends for many Nigerians -the strides we have taken toward progress as a nation and the challenges that still tether our potential . While we honour the past, we must think about the future of the nation within the global context. For me, that is the digital future. Within this vast digital landscape, there is an uncomfortable truth we must confront: not all Nigerians have equal access to its promise, particularly our women and girls.

The digital space, for many, represents freedom—a place where ideas bloom, creativity flourishes, and opportunities abound. But for millions of Nigerian women and girls, this digital terrain is fraught with shadows, an extension of the barriers they face offline.
The same cultural, social, and economic forces that have long kept women in the margins now follow them into the virtual world, where patriarchal systems still attempt to silence, harass, and belittle them.

We live in an era where the digital economy is the economy, where the ability to access, create, and share information defines one’s place in society. Yet, Nigerian women and girls, particularly in rural communities, are disproportionately excluded. Digital illiteracy remains rampant. The cost of technology is prohibitive, and where access exists, it often comes with the bitter taste of cyberbullying, harassment, and violence. Many young girls, eager to engage in the global marketplace of ideas, find themselves retreating—threatened by the same predators that lurk in physical spaces. The internet, designed to be a space of boundless freedom, often becomes a mirror, reflecting the same structures of inequality, only on a grander scale.

But today is not a day for despair. It is a day for hope, for action, for renewal. Our nation has, over and over again, proven its resilience. So, let us extend that resilience to this pressing issue.

Firstly, we must call on our Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen digital infrastructure and access in underserved areas, particularly for women and children. The future is already here, and to exclude anyone from that future is to hamper the nation’s progress.

At the Administrative level, there is a need for national and regional policies that prioritize digital literacy programs for women and girls, bridging the gap in digital education. This initiative should be driven by our innovative Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

We need deliberate investment in digital tools for these communities, ensuring that no child—boy or girl—is left behind simply because of where they were born or what their gender is.

Legislatively, we must enact and enforce laws that not only punish online harassment but create environments where women and girls feel safe to thrive. The National Assembly must fast-track bills that address digital gender-based violence, including online stalking, doxxing, and cyberbullying. The internet must no longer be a place where fear reigns for Nigerian women.

The judiciary must also play its role, ensuring that justice is swift for those who perpetrate these crimes. In this vein, I commend our newly sworn-in Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, a national treasure and legal juggernaut by all accounts, on her elevation to the highest judicial office in the land.
Your Lordship, your appointment stands as a beacon for what is possible when women are granted the space they deserve. Under your leadership, we know we will see a judiciary that protects the rights of all Nigerians, including those whose battles are fought in the digital sphere. Your tenure offers a renewed hope that justice will not be gender-blind, but gender-conscious.

To our governments, I also implore the creation of digital safe spaces where women and girls can express themselves freely without fear of persecution. Let us break down the social norms that frame a woman’s ambition, her voice, as something to be subdued.

As we move forward, let us remember that digital rights are human rights, and any exclusion from this space—whether through systemic neglect or active suppression—is a denial of that right. A Nigeria where every woman and girl can access the internet freely and safely is a Nigeria where progress is unstoppable.

Today, I am filled with hope. For in every challenge, there lies an opportunity. The opportunity to rewrite the narrative, to lift every woman and girl onto a stage that is global, connected, and empowering.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. Let us rise together, towards a future that includes us all.

Mojirayo Ogunlana
Digital, Media, Gender and Human Rights Advocate

PhotoSpeaks: FIDA Abuja celebrates her own Wendy Kuku as she takes Silk!

  • Watch video clips of the event

Along with  87 other legal practitioners, Wendy Nwenenda Kuku was on Monday 30th September 2024, sworn in as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

Wendu Kuku, SAN is the Treasurer of FIDA Nigeria Abuja and FIDAns turned out in their numbers to celebrate their own.

Below are photos and videos of the event at the Supreme Court of Nigeria and at her reception at The Ballroom Conference Centre of The Palms Hotel in Abuja.

The New Silk and Husband Olatuboson Kuku
R-L: FIDA Abuja Vice-Chair, Francesca Akaniro-Opara, Husband of the celebrant, Olatubosun Kuku, Ex- Ex-Regional Vice President FIDA Africa, Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN, and Celebrant/Treasurer, FIDA Abuja, Wendy Kuku, SAN
L-R: Fmr. FIDA Nigeria National PRO, Ogechi Abu, One-time, FIDA Africa Regional Vice President, Laraba Shuaibu, Ex-Chair of FIDA Abuja, Ngozi Ikenga, ex-FIDA Abuja Treasurer, Adama Mohammed Standing
Lady Ngozi Okogbue Standing, Mrs. Chinyere Ufere sitting
Ex-FIDA Abuja PRO, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko and Fmr. FIDA Abuja Treasurer, Adama Mohammed
R-L: Her Worship Amauche Onyedum and Mrs Gladys Otuya
R-L: Fmr. Assistant PRO FIDA Abuja, Hauwa George 0bas, FIDA Abuja Welfare Committee Member, Naomi Abeji Kpenosen, FIDA Abuja PRO, Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe and Welfare Secretary, Ifeoluwa Johnson

Watch the video below.

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