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Court grants order for 60 days remand of 124 #EndBadGovernance protesters

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted applications filed by the police to remand 124 arrested #EndBadGovernance protesters for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in separate rulings on ex-parte motions moved by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel for the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, granted the interim order to remand the suspects until conclusion of investigation.

Justice Nwite equally ordered that the suspects, who are minors in the applications, be remanded in Borstal Home of the correctional centre pending the conclusion of the investigation.

In the first motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024, moved by Mohammed on August 14, but with a certified true copy (CTC) of the order obtained by NAN, the judge directed that the suspects be remanded for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation and legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The I-G, in the motion dated Aug. 8 but filed Aug. 9, sued 75 protesters with ages ranging between 14 and 34 years.

They include Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Abubakar Adam (19), Suleiman Ali (16), Mubarak Mas’ud (23), Umar Musa (19), Aminu Hussaini (20), Umar Kabir (23), Ibrahim Musa (24), Abba Usman (30), Umar Inusa (18), Tasi’u Lawan (17), Ibrahim Rabi’u (16), and Jamilu Haruna (16).

The suspects also include Muktar Yahaya (17). Abdulbasit Abdulsalam (34), Salisu Adamu (16), Bilal Auwalu (15), Abdul’aziz Adam (15), Sadiq Sunusi (15), Muhd Musa (14), Usman Amiru (14), Abdulganiyu Musa (15), Muhd Yahaya (19), and Sunusi Nura (14), among others.

They were alleged to have committed acts of terrorism, treason, and treasonable felonies, including arson and terrorism.

The police said the offence was contrary to Sections 2(1) and (3), 24 and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022; Sections 41 and 42 of the Criminal Code Act; Sections 410, 411, and 412 of the of the Penal Code Act; and Section 4 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and other enabling statutes.

Miss Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary of Legal and Prosecution Section, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, deposed to the affidavit in support of the motion.

She said the I-G’s office, through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), received a damningly credible intelligence report of a planned violent uprising against the government of the states and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ogochukwu averred that “the planned violent insurrection was believed to have been orchestrated by terrorist groups both within and outside Nigeria to unleash terror against the sovereign states of Nigeria, scheduled to start from the 1st day of August, 2015.”

She said, “Despite serious security measures intensified by the various law enforcement agencies, the planned protest took place as scheduled and seriously intimidated the populace and seriously destabilised or destroyed the fundamental, political, constitutional, economic, or social structures of some parts of Nigeria.

“That the violent protest causes death and bodily harm to citizens of the country and led to arson and wanton destructions of government or public and private facilities, transport systems, and infrastructural facilities in Nigeria.

“That the suspects were arrested in the actual act of rampage and reasonably suspected to be complicit in the crime, which calls for district investigations.

*That the suspects/defendants herein were found to have been carrying Russian flags, banners, placards, and slogans agitating for sovereign invasion of Nigerian territory to destabilise or overthrow the sovereign state of Nigeria by the Russian government.”

Ogochukwu said the suspects were arrested in Abuja and various states in possession of many Russian flags and other incriminating exhibits, while others are still at large.

She said investigations into the matter had commenced, and the defendants made voluntary statements, mostly admitting the crime, which reasonably suspected them to be members of proscribed terrorist groups.

She said the investigators had to travel to various states to discover and apprehend the sponsors of this heinous crime for effective prosecution, and the same would not be completed within the time frame contemplated by the constitution, which necessitated the application.

She said that “time is required to complete investigation thoroughly and obtain legal advice from the office” of the AGF as most of the prime suspects are still at large.

Ogochukwu averred that the suspects admitted the commission of the offence.

According to her, the suspects/defendants are now in detention in police cells, which are congested and pose serious health challenges to the inmates, and possibility of attack or escape will be ruled out.

Also, in the second ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024, moved by Mohammed on Thursday, Justice Nwite ordered another set of 49 defendants to be remanded for 60 days pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“That an order of this Honourable Court is hereby made committing the defendants to a correctional centre pursuant to Section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015,” he said in the CTC of the order sighted on Saturday in Abuja.

The judge, who directed that the underage defendants be remanded in Borstal Home of the correctional centre, adjourned the case until Oct. 23 for mention.

The motion, dated Aug. 20, was filed on Aug. 21.

Giving four grounds why the application should be granted, the lawyer said that the defendants engaged in the offence of terrorism financing in order to overthrow a democratically elected government.

Mohammed alleged that the defendants were supporting some disgruntled elements that were flying the flag of another country in Nigeria.

He alleged that the defendants conspired with some foreign nationals to take over the sovereign nation, which is a treasonable felony.

A detective attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, Gregory Woje, in the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion, deposed that preliminary investigation revealed that some suspects arrested were being recruited by some financiers to cause mayhem and destroy life and property.

“That preliminary investigation further revealed that the financiers were sending money to recruit the indigents and other vulnerable individuals to carry banners and overthrow a democratically elected government.

“That preliminary investigation further reveals that some foreign nationals were the heads in the unscrupulous act of treasonable felony and promoting terrorism financing in Nigeria,” he averred.

Woje said the acts of the accused persons are akin to the offences of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying.

He said it is the function of the police to stop the act by appending the offenders as offences to one, which is an offence to all.

Some of the defendants include Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo, Michael Adaramuye, Musiu Sadiq, Buhari Lawal, Love Angel Innocent, Suleiman Yakubu, Yunusa Aliyu, Ahmad Nasir, Muhammed Sani, Iliyasu Anas, Abdullahi Sani, and Gaddafi Muhammed.

They also include Jibrin Abdulhakim, Mahmud Umar, Kabiru Rabiu, Aminu Muhammed, Sagir Hassan, Lukman Abubakar, and Ahmed Isah.

Others are Abdullahi Abdulwahab, Hassan Muhammad, Abdullahi Salisu, Sabo Murtala, Fahad Ibrahim, Umar Yakubu, Zakari Yakubu, and Ahmed Haruna, among others.

NAN

Late Wigwe University Registrars’ mum to Jude Ezeobi: Keep away, stop parading yourself as my daughter’s husband or face aggressive litigation!

The mother of Ulonna Inyama, the Registrar of @WigweUniversity who died tragically in Abuja on Monday 29 July due to complications from a wrong blood has written to Jude Ezeobi, Esq. warning that he desists from parading himself as Ulonna’s husband making any attempt to extort monies from well-meaning well wishers under the guise of condolences.

In the letter dated 20th August 2024, signed by Mrs. Scholastica Inyama on behalf of the family, Ezeobi, Esq. was warned to steer clear of the family affairs or face an aggressive legal action.

Part of the letter which was accompanied by a copy the judgment detailing the annulment of the marriage reads:

RE: YOUR  FALSE REPRESENTATION AND INVOLVEMENT IN ULONNA’S BURIAL  PLANS

I write to you on behalf of the Ulonna’s entire family as the matriarch, in connection with your recent actions following the tragic death of my beloved daughter,  Ulonna lnyama.  It is with great displeasure and deep discomfort that we observe your attempts to involve yourself in her burial plans, presuming to assume the position of a chief mourner and presenting yourself as her husband.

To be unequivocally clear, your conduct is not only false but also a gross misrepresentation of the true state of affairs between you and Ulonna at the time of her passing. As you are well aware, your union with Ulonna was nullified by the Honourable Justice A.  Nasir in Suit No. PET/144/2021 on October 17, 2023, on the grounds that you were still legally married to one Chiamaka Marilyn Ezeobi at the time you purported to marry Ulonna. This nullification underscores the fact that you committed bigamy-a  serious offense that has far-reaching implications for your legal career and personal standing.

Your persistent attempts to assert yourself in matters relating to Ulonna’s burial are causing our family considerable distress. We find it particularly painful that even in death, you continue to torment Ulonna, just as you did during her life. It is important to note that Ulonna would not have wanted your involvement in her affairs, especially not in such a sacred and personal matter as her burial.

Furthermore, during the court proceedings, you made several baseless accusations against Ulonna, all of which were thoroughly discountenanced by the court. Your unfounded  claims were seen for what they were: desperate attempts to deflect from the truth. The judgment, which we have attached as an annexure to this letter, speaks for itself.

Please  be  advised  that the  entire family  has consulted with  legal counsel regarding  your recent actions. We  have  been fully  informed of the  legal implications and effects of  the  court’s nullification order. Accordingly, we demand that you immediately cease and desist from any further involvement in Ulonna’s burial plans or any matters concerning her.

Should you continue to parade yourself as Ulonna’s husband and /or involve yourself in her affairs or set attempt to extort monies from well-meaning well-wishers under the guise of condolences or pretending to be involved in her burial preparations or conduct yourself in any way that further misrepresents your position, you will leave us no choice but to pursue aggressive legal action to ensure you maintain a civilized composure. The family will not hesitate to take every necessary step to protect the dignity of our daughter and ensure that her final rites are conducted in peace and respect.

We trust that you will heed this warning and act accordingly. We expect no further disturbances or misrepresentations from you in this regard.

Due regards,

Mrs. Scholastica lnyama

For the Family

The-Inyama-family-speaks

Meanwhile, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Abuja has invited Felix Ashimole, Esq. the Publisher of Kubwa Express following a petition against him by Jude Ezeobi on alleged “Criminal Defamation, Conspiracy, Cyber-Bullying, Publication of false/Malicious Statement and Threat To Life.”

Read the full letter below.

PETITION-TO-THE-COMMISSIONER-OF-POLICE-FCT-AGAINST-ONE-FLEX-ASHIMOLE-OF-KUBWA-EXPRESS.-COM-FOR-CRIMINAL-DEFAMATION-CONSPIRACY-CYBER-BULLYING-PUBLICATION-OF-FALSE-MALICIOUS-AN1

It’s not about swearing in!! It’s about whether we will finally see radical reforms — Agbakoba

Following the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, rights lawyer and one-time President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has taken a swipe at what he termed “yet another ritual of handing over of the Judicial baton.”

Speaking with Law & Society Magazine, Agbakoba said:” It’s not about swearing in!! It’s about whether we will see radical reforms finally.

“The last great reform CJN was the Late Dahiru Musdapher!!! I was his consultant on Speed of Justice. Unfortunately CJN Musdapher only had six months in office. He set up a high powered 29 person committee that produced a transformational report.

“The Late CJN led a team to the then president of the senate, David Mark, to present far reaching reforms to the constitutional structure of the Judiciary. As soon as the CJN turned his back everyone forgot about it !!!

“The legacy of potential legacy of the new CJN is transformational and radical reform with the fundamental objective of case management driving how the courts work

“We are witnessing yet another ritual of handing over of the Judicial baton with the swearing in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. But it’s not about swearing in!!”

Amnesty International accuses FG failing to protect citizens

Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect its citizens.

Expressing concern over what it called the Nigerian government’s growing inability to protect rural communities in the northern regions, where hundreds have been killed by violent armed groups, the global rights body noted that in spite of repeated assurances from President Bola Tinubu and security officials, the violence persists, leaving citizens vulnerable to relentless attacks and kidnappings.

The international human rights organization reported that in states such as Benue, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, and Zamfara, heavily armed groups continue to terrorize villages—killing, raping, burning homes, stealing livestock, and abducting residents for ransom.

Amnesty International highlighted the devastating impact of this violence, noting that it has displaced thousands, with over 200,000 people in Katsina State alone forced to flee their homes. In Zamfara, more than 150 villages have been abandoned, and in Plateau State, over 1,336 people were killed between December 2023 and February 2024.

The organization warned that the ongoing violence is pushing these regions to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with the government’s failure to address the bloodshed resulting in significant loss of life and livelihood. Amnesty International cautioned that without immediate and effective action, the situation will deteriorate further, underscoring the government’s failure to fulfill its fundamental duty to protect its citizens.

NBA Enugu mourns death of Ex-Branch Chairman, Dr. Jude Ezegwui

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Enugu Branch has announced the death of its former Chairman, Dr. Jude Ezegwui.

A statement issued by the branch disclosed that he died yesterday, 22nd August 2024.

The statement reads: “It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of our esteemed past Chairman, Dr. Jude Ezegwui on Wednesday, 22nd August 2024. This devastating news was confirmed by his elder brother.

“Dr. Jude Ezegwui was one of strong pillars of our branch. serving with dedication and distinction during his tenure as Chairman from 2020 to 2022. Prior to this, he also served the Bar as Legal Adviser from 2014 to 2016. At the time of his passing, Dr. Ezegwui was serving as a Council Member of the NBA – Section on Business Law. His contributions to the Bar and the broader legal profession are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.

“We urge all members of the Bar to remember Dr. Ezegwui’s immediate and extended families in your prayers during this difficult time. Let us extend our heartfelt condolences and unwavering support to them as we await further details regarding the arrangements for his burial.”

Only 18 months ago, Dr. Ezegwui buried his mother, Mrs Christiana Nneka Ezegwui who died at 82.

The case for excellent hotels in Nigeria

By Kirsten Okenwa

What really makes an excellent hotel?

“A great big bed, and a great view of the city, a good restaurant that is open late at night when I check in after a long flight.”

“There was a time when I rated hotels based on how fancy their restaurants were. Now, I give them a five-star rating if the shower toiletry labels are large enough to read without glasses! Before stepping into the shower, I read the labels with glasses, arrange them in order starting with shampoo, conditioner and body wash, before removing my glasses, because once my specs are off, I’m barely seeing anything. Also, the shower has to be simple and not complicated with elaborate shower panel. The hot and cold water should be available continuously. The efficiency of taps, flush, and shower heads are as important as the comfort of the bed and pillows! That’s what I look for.”

“There is always one light in the room for which the switch cannot be found. Why? And for good measure if they could leave instructions on complicated light switches too!”

“What innovations are created for the disabled, the wheelchair-bound guests? Many hotels in Nigeria overlook this.”

“I found this gem of a hotel in Abuja with a super business center, work spaces and a secretarial pool to assist business guests. I still achieved peak productivity outside my base. The secretary I worked with made me remember how that profession thrived in the old days; very efficient.”

“Game, Set, Match! Give me a tennis court or even a gym and I am happy. A hotel I stayed in at Uyo, Akwa Ibom state had this promo saying, “Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to have a good time, come and enjoy a game of tennis in paradise.”

“E get some five-star hotel wey all their staff dey speak like six different languages, just in case. For Naija, once there is room automation, smart TV and elevator, them go call am five-star.”

These were the responses when I asked some people what really made an excellent hotel. For others, it could be the star-rating, location, comfort, warm and caring service. Others may book a hotel chiefly for the trendy sports facilities, well-appointed conference or meeting rooms, incredible restaurant, general aesthetics, and of course, pricing and special offers. A good number of people have luxury in mind. They want world-class restaurants serving up gastronomic delights, 24/7 room service, extraordinary suites and beds with Egyptian cotton sheets; in fact, amenities in an environment crafted for pure indulgence.

A big hotel with stunning façade is not necessarily excellent. In a bid to accommodate urbane travellers and social media influencers, many hotels have focused on aesthetics and neglected service quality. Diligent commitment to service and steadfast dedication to providing unparalleled guest experiences are some hallmarks of an excellent hotel. These hotels know that one of the secrets of success is being customer-driven, with a commitment to delivering exceptional services.

While working as an election observation staff with one of the international missions during the presidential elections, our command center was at a “five-star” hotel in Abuja. Many things were wrong with this hotel: poor service, bad housekeeping, and boring menu especially for our colleagues with special dietary needs. The vegans in our group who were passionate about cruelty-free foods had it tough because their needs weren’t properly accommodated. Some lived on crackers and the daily dose of over-spiced okro soup served by the hotel. There was the inconvenience of having to order good food from other restaurants in town.

In the two months we worked at this hotel day and night monitoring the Nigeria elections, I never saw the cleaners give our suites thorough cleaning. The bathrooms were usually wiped down by a disgruntled staff, the spaces quickly cleaned and off they went to the next suite. God forbid we had a leaking tap, blocked drainage or in need of toiletries. These took hours to be remedied.

“Yes, there are excellent hotels in Nigeria, even some five-star.” I always get this response from people when I bemoan the dearth of great hotels in Nigeria. Chatting with a friend, Mr. Matthew Enamuotor who owns the Gordon Resort Hotel (McCarthy Beach) in Abraka, Delta state, as well as other hotels in Nigeria, he called me fussy for my list of expectations from hotels. I rejoined that my needs where valid; was it too much to ask for well managed hotels where the basic needs were met, perhaps with a little flair? Mr. Enamuotor agreed that excellent management was the fulcrum of good hotels. He shared with me his passion and challenges as a hotel owner. In his view, excellent hotels are smart hotels that use technology to streamline its operations. Excellent hotels offer top-tier service, and must not be opulent to be world class. But, poor energy supply and high cost of petroleum products makes for tough business. Also, the high taxation imposed by state governments is also a challenge. I reckoned that the hospitality sector, like many other industries, is dealing with a host of problems which may necessitate some hotels to cut corners to meet up. The challenge of unskilled labor, disgruntled workers asking for more than just increased wages, and higher commodity prices. But it is a mistake for hotels to reduce the quality of service through cost-saving measures.

Gordon Resort Hotel (McCarthy Beach), Abraka

In all these, travel and tourism markets in Nigeria are experiencing some boom with the increase in business and leisure travel. Hotel business has rebounded significantly especially in Abuja-FCT. There are more political rallies and enterprise fairs. Visitors for business meetings and conferences also abound. Ecotourism, is in vogue for the social media savvy individuals who are defying the security challenges in the country and backpacking around Nigeria. The goal is to immerse themselves in local scenery, connect with nature in picturesque environment, perhaps get views of wildlife, and join in community festivals while lodging most times in poorly managed hotels and resorts. Diverse social media posts show that more Africans are discovering Nigerian cities in lieu of European vacations, and this demand could open new doors for those investors wanting some share of the prosperity in the hospitality world.

My sister owns some retail outlets in Abuja, and during a short break from my work, I decided to supervise one of her shops located at a big hotel. This hotel is one of the oldest in the city of Abuja and often rated a four-star. There is usually a large influx of guests, and it isn’t uncommon for us in a week, to sell items to people from so many countries. At the high point of summer, I counted the countries some of our customers came from within a two week period and it tallied to twenty-five. You will find them arrive from the airport in large shuttle buses for one enterprise, government event or another. I asked a friend who ran a tourist shop at a popular mall in the city, to join me in this game of counting the countries our customers travelled from. She said, “I never knew we had a lot of foreigners visit our shop till my sales people and I stared asking our customers the countries they travelled from. In one day, we had about twelve people from nine different countries in Africa! Most of them were curious about Nigeria’s culture, especially our arts and crafts.” It is also noteworthy that Nigerians travel a lot within the country for different purposes like medicals, work or vacation. This got me thinking of the enormous industry that is the Nigerian travel and tourism sector.

At its 2023 Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), revealed that the African Travel & Tourism sector could add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs. There’s also much positive forecast on the employment and investment opportunities the travel and tourism sector can create in Nigeria. The nation’s economy is in a state of financial turmoil after our over-reliance on oil revenue. The government and private sector must recognize the potential of the tourism industry to diversify the economy and contribute to poverty alleviation, economic regeneration and stability.

Nigeria welcomes thousands of international travelers yearly. The tourism sector is essential for employment and financial boost to the economy, generating millions of naira in revenue each year. Tourism also plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens. I always felt proud answering the questions of our foreign customers regarding Nigeria’s traditions and culture. Tourism can contribute to the development and improvement of hotel infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences and drive economic growth. Governments, private investors, and international organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential of the hospitality and accommodation sector as a lucrative investment opportunity.

In making a case for excellent hotels in Nigeria, I am also looking at industry standards and maintenance of hotels and resorts. In the competitive hospitality world, hotel standards are essential for brands that want to stay ahead of the competition and achieve consistency in service quality. Hotels with well-defined standards can differentiate themselves in this crowded space and market their unique offerings with confidence. The standards differ from one hotel to the other, but they ought to follow international rules with regard to design, safety, health and hygiene, customer service and quality of amenities. Standards help streamline operations with the goal of enhancing guest satisfaction, but they shouldn’t be cast in stone. There should be a balance between maintaining consistency in standards and embracing innovation. Hotel standards must be updated regularly to incorporate new technologies, sustainability practices, and guest-centered features.

Hotel financial numbers may be going up again, but customer satisfaction reviews are more negative than ever. Traditional media reports as well social media posts are showing that, while hotel occupancy rates are going up, guests are more disgruntled than ever. Few things annoy guests more than door locks that won’t swipe or air conditioner units that malfunction. Proactive (and not reactive) hotel maintenance is therefore essential.

It is a known fact that we have a challenge with maintenance culture in Nigeria. Beautiful hotels and resorts are constructed to serve the public, but give it three years or four and they are run down by lack of maintenance. Physical resources and facilities are often mismanaged, forgetting that the condition and upkeep of a hotel directly impact the overall guest satisfaction and, consequently, the success of the hospitality industry. Maintenance workers are not expendable in the hotel industry. That means genuine investments, financial or otherwise, need to be made in hotel maintenance staff, including investments in continuous training and up-skilling, and personal development training.

In the face of climate change and other global challenges, many hotels around Africa are embracing sustainability. We can champion this in Nigeria. The ‘green hotel’ concept is not a passing trend. Increasingly, guests are seeking out hotels that make express commitments to sustainable practices. However, these sustainable solutions don’t occur in a vacuum – someone in the hotel needs to be able to implement greener initiatives, and that will very often be the maintenance team. In an era of increasing environmental awareness, sustainability has become a top priority for tourism infrastructure development. Adopting eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy, waste management, and water conservation, not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the appeal of the hotel to eco-conscious travelers.

Nigeria’s hotel industry development is generating increased interest from international brands. The competition is fierce with many existing hotels big and small, joining in the fray. Success isn’t the responsibility of the service staff alone; it begins in the highest ranks and trickles down to the heart of the excellent hotel. Hotel management should take great care in their hiring process, bringing in new personnel who are enthusiastic about serving people and take pleasure in the job itself. Employees who are passionate, people-oriented, authentic and happy to serve guests who will leave with memories of outstanding hospitality.

Kirsten Okenwa is a writer and Industrial Chemist. She has over 20 years work in the nonprofit sector. Kirsten is fervent about food systems and agriculture.

[Video]: President Tinubu swears-in Justice Kekere-Ekun as 23rd CJN

Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun was on Friday sworn-in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

She will however operate in acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.

Her Lordship took her oaths at about 11:38am at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja and took then took her sitting position in the Council Chambers on the left hand-side of the President at exactly 11:45am.

She takes over from Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who retired on 22nd of August having attained the statutory retirement age of 70.

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is the second Nigerian female Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria from July 2012 to November, 2014.

Other Justices of the Supreme Court were at the event.

Some other dignitaries include, Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the House of Representatives, represented by House Leader, Hon Julius Ihonbvere; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu; and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Watch the video below.

Joe Ajaero: Dangers of being NLC president in a Tinubu presidency

Ikechukwu Amaechi

By Ikechukwu Amaechi

Five days after Comrade Joe Ajaero, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), made history as the first NLC President to be elected unopposed at the 13th National Delegates Conference in Abuja, on February 8, 2023, I sat down with him in Lagos for an exclusive interview.

Still basking in the euphoria of his victory, he was hopeful and bullish as he discussed the labour movement, what Nigerians should expect of his presidency and the impending 2023 elections. He was analytical and measured.

Declaring that the NLC under his watch will live up to expectations, Ajaero quipped: “I am assuring longsuffering Nigerian workers that I will be their voice. We will cry their cry. We will carry their burden. We will identify with them. If there is any way we have lost touch with the people, we are reconnecting with them. We expect that they will reciprocate. It is not always that we will be on the streets but if there is need for that, we will be on the streets and we are ready to pay the price, no matter how high, to make sure that Nigeria gets better.”

On the impending elections, Ajaero sounded a note of warning: “NLC will work with whoever emerges President in a free and fair poll in the interest of Nigerian workers. But the NLC, under our watch, will not keep quiet in the face of any electoral malpractice. We will not keep quiet in the face of people winning elections and they are not declared winners. We will not keep quiet while rigging becomes the order of the day. The NLC will show more than a passing interest. We want to know how the elections are conducted, how things are done and we want to ensure that things are done well.”

Despite the assurances, I knew that the tenor of Ajaero’s presidency will be significantly impacted by the outcome of presidential election, convinced that any of the four frontline candidates – Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP) and Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP) – who wins the election will naturally show more than a passing interest in the affairs of organised labour. But I was also convinced, based on what I knew about them, that none, except Tinubu, will attempt an outright hostile takeover of the labour movement.

Under the watch of Obi, Atiku and even Kwankwaso, NLC will have its usual run-ins with the government which will typically flex muscles but ultimately sit down with the labour leadership for discussions but a Tinubu presidency will be a totally different ball game. He is one politician with fascist reflexes and takes no prisoners.

The issue of petrol subsidy has always been a volatile matter that galvanises organised labour into action. So, ordinarily, when Tinubu in his inaugural speech thundered that “subsidy is gone,” and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) subsequently jacked up the pump price of petrol, Nigerian workers would have poured out into the streets.

Of course, the NLC leadership threatened strike. But the government swiftly swung into action, maximally deploying the devious weapon of ethnic baiting. Joe Ajaero, they lied, was an Obi and possibly Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) sympathiser who wanted to call out Nigerian workers in his attempt to subvert the fledgling administration of Tinubu, a Yoruba. Suddenly, a proposed NLC action became an Igbo expansionist agenda allegedly hatched to destroy Yoruba heritage. It worked. Even before the strike started, almost all the Southwest state chapters pulled out. Ajaero, sensing a trap and an imminent splintering of the NLC under his watch beat a tactical retreat. The proposed industrial action was called off without the government making any concessions. Many Nigerians felt betrayed and those not discerning enough to know what happened accused him of selling out.

Ajaero assured in our interview that he was ready to pay the price, no matter how high, to make sure that Nigeria gets better. I doubt if he ever imagined how high that price will be in a Tinubu Presidency.

He nearly lost his life when agents of the Imo State government led heavily armed police officers and thugs to abduct him from the Owerri secretariat of the NLC on November 1, 2023. He was mercilessly beaten and blindfolded before they took him away to an unknown destination where he was subjected to indescribable torture. At about 3.30 pm when worried colleagues finally made contacts with him, Ajaero had been severely brutalised and thoroughly humiliated. He was partially blinded and could hardly stand on his feet. The savagery was unconscionable. No other NLC president had been subjected to such demeaning ordeal, not even under military regimes. Till date, the police are yet to make any arrests, not to talk of bringing the pernicious characters who carried out the assault to book, despite promises by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Obviously, the assault, though carried out in Imo, Ajaero’s home state, had the tacit approval of the Nigerian state.

Then, on Monday, August 19, the Nigeria Police Force bared its fangs accusing Ajaero of committing heinous crimes that include terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime. In a letter signed by Adamu Muazu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ajaero was ordered to appear before the Intelligence Response Team for interrogation on Tuesday, August 20, at 10 am even as they threatened to activate a warrant of arrest if he fails to honour the invitation.

These are crimes that attract severe punishment on conviction. The least, cybercrime, attracts punishment ranging from three to seven years imprisonment or fine options ranging from N5 million to N10 million; subversion attracts a fine of N5 million or seven years imprisonment while terrorism financing is a crime, punishable on conviction, with imprisonment for a term of not less than 20 years. Treason is punishable by death and treasonable felonies are punishable by imprisonment for life.

Before then, in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests, the police, using gestapo tactics, raided the NLC headquarters in Abuja in the dead of the night allegedly in search of a foreign terrorism suspect. When the NLC leadership cried foul, alleging that the security operatives broke into the second floor, ransacking the bookshop and seizing hundreds of books and other publications, the police kept mum.

When they finally came through, the police claimed that the “well-coordinated, lawful operation was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspect—a foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.”

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, further said: “We emphasize that this operation had no connection with the NLC, its Secretariat, staff, or leadership. The NLC Secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.”

With the ridiculous turn of events, the so-called “foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries” may well be Comrade Joe Ajaero. I doubt if any Nigerian believes that the NLC president is guilty. Police know for sure that these are trumped up charges but they are pushing ahead believing that they will get away, once again, with their continued repression of every alternate voice. The idea is to put Ajaero away, if possible, for a long time because he is seen as the only obstacle to their shenanigans. The Tinubu administration is busy dismantling all democratic guardrails, while erecting fascist pillars. It is a patriotic duty to resist him.

Those who accuse Ajaero of not pushing hard enough against the anti-people policies of the administration don’t appreciate what it means to be an NLC president in a Tinubu presidency. It is even worse that Ajaero is Igbo in a country where the presidency has unashamedly elevated the political and cultural polemics of ethnic baiting and racial dog whistles to an art.

So far, Ajaero has deployed wisdom in navigating the uncharted waters – a delicate balancing act to ensure that NLC is not splintered by political malcontents. He shouldn’t be vilified. I have heard some people make snide remarks about him. Some folks simply don’t get it. And to them, the 1946 post-war confessional prose by the German Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemöller, on the silence of German intellectuals and clergy following the Nazis’ rise to power and subsequent incremental purging of their chosen targets suffices.

First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me

Niemöller, an anti-Communist who supported Hitler’s rise to power, an action tantamount to riding on the back of a tiger, got eaten, literally, when he decided to dismount. That is what happens when people prop despots wittingly or unwittingly, either by their acquiescence or inaction. This is not about Joe Ajaero. It is about the fate of Nigeria’s democracy which President Bola Tinubu is wittingly desecrating, an action we must all resist before it is too late.

Indians demand arrest after name of doctor gang raped and murdered in hospital appears on porn sites as men seek out footage of the assault

The death of Dr Moumita Debnath sent shock waves through India and the international community, yet, to add insult to injury, Indian men are on porn sites, hoping to find footage of the assault.

Protest has erupted in India seeking justice for the 31-year-old doctor who was gang raped and murdered in the hospital she worked at.

On August 9, the doctor’s corpse was found on a blood-soaked mattress at R.G. Kar Medical College in the city of Kolkata.

Dr. Moumita Debnath’s colleagues said she was over halfway through a 36-hour shift when she decided to rest in a lecture hall at the college hospital.

Although Debnath’s family was initially told she died by suicide, an autopsy report brought before the Kolkata High Court by the victim’s parents revealed that she died by strangulation and her body showed signs that she had been subjected to a brutal and sustained sexual assault.

The injuries Debnath suffered included severe pelvic bone and muscle trauma, causing her legs to be twisted in an unnatural way. Her neck was br0ken, her eyes and mouth were bleeding, and she had sustained injuries to her abdomen, hands, and leg.

The post-mortem report also noted that over 150 mg of semen was recovered from the doctor’s body, indicating that up to 30 men could have been involved in the violation of Debnath’s body. The normal volume of semen produced by a male upon ejaculation typically varies from 1.5 to 5.0 mg, according to the online medical encyclopedia MedlinePlus.

“No step taken to arrest any other offenders while the evidence clearly indicates that their daughter was the victim of a gang rape and murder, a crime that could not have been committed by one person alone,” the doctor’s family explained, adding that they noticed discrepancies in the autopsy report.

The family also alleged that they had been prevented from seeing their daughter’s body after arriving to the coroner’s office.

“[An] improper autopsy was done with a view to shield the others involved in their daughter’s death,” the family’s lawyer alleges.

Although the court scolded the college hospital, including its former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, for mishandling the case by not filing a police report after finding the doctor’s c0rpse, the case was passed on to India’s Central Bureau of Investigation last Tuesday.

So far, at least one man has been arrested in connection to the case – civil servant Sanjoy Roy. Roy is known to be addicted to p0rnography. His bluetooth headset was found near the victim’s body.

Disturbingly, unverified rumors that Debnath’s rape had been filmed and uploaded to the internet began to circulate this weekend, leading to an explosion in search queries from sick individuals seeking to watch the video.

According to Google Trends, queries such as “Moumita Debnath porn” and “Dr. Moumita Debnath video” have experienced surges across India, with “Moumita Debnath rap[e] video” experiencing a 110% increase in searches.

As of the time of this writing, of all the queries associated with her name, “Moumita Debnath photo video” is the 5th most searched in India, while “Moumita Debnath last video” is the 12th most searched overall.

Of image search queries, “Moumita Debnath body photo” and “Moumita Debnath body postmortem” are the two fastest rising queries associated with the deceased woman’s name, while the more explicit “Moumita Debnath rape photo” is the 11th fastest rising image query.

Internet users from other subcontinental nations, such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, have also expressed an interest in locating the rape footage.

The queries were not limited to Google, but porn websites as well. 

On XVideos-India, Debnath’s name has been searched alongside actual p0rn*graphic videos.

This would not be the first time gang rape footage in India trended on pornography websites.

In 2019, a doctor of veterinary medicine was brutally raped and murdered in Hyderabad. Priyanka Reddy had been heading home when a group of four men sabotaged her scooter, took her to an isolated area, raped her, and suffocated her to death. Her c0rpse was later burned in an effort to destroy the evidence.

In the days following the news of Reddy’s horrific murder, her name began trending across porn sites as men scrambled to locate the rumored footage of her final moments.

Indians on X are urging authorities to track down and arrest those searching for Dr Moumita Debnath’s name on porn sites.

Indians demand arrest after name of doctor gang r@p�d and murd�r�d in hospital appears on p*n sites as men seek out footage of the a$$ault

Linda Ikeji

Alleged ‘Defamatory’ Publication: Nigerian Law Society moves to sue CAC for N5bn

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS), Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, has threatened to sue the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, over an alleged defamatory publication against the association.

NLS is a professional association of lawyers which the CAC says is operating without registration.

The emergence of the NLS is also being opposed by the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, the umbrella body of Nigerian lawyers.

Recently, the Registrar General of the CAC, Hussain Ishaq Magaji (SAN) wrote the Attorney General of the Federation,Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), seeking approval to prosecute the NLS and other corporate entities operating without registration in the country.

The CAC had also, on 6th August, 2024, in a publication titled ‘Public Notice Status of Nigeria Law Society’, stated that the NLS is not registered, while describing its activities as illegal.

However, in a letter dated 12th August 2024, and acknowledged on 16th August 2024, Ayorinde demanded a retraction of the publication in seven days.

Ayorinde, in the letter, noted that he was the 1st plaintiff in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2023 between Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, OFR & 5 Others V. Corporate Affairs Commission, which was decided on 15th December, 2023.

He accused the CAC of refusing to register the NLS as ordered by the court.

Parts of the letter read: “In the said judgment, the Honourable Court clearly granted all the Plaintiff’s claims and specifically directed your Commission to register the Nigerian Law Society.

“Your Commission has failed, refused and or neglected to obey the judgment of the Federal High Court and whose judgment remains extant even though you have filed an appeal on record. It is also noted that despite filing the same appeal, you have not secured any order to stay the direction in the judgement.

“It is therefore shocking that you will cause the publication under reference to be made despite the above.

“In the said publication, you alluded as follows: That you have not registered the Nigerian Law Society. That the members of the Nigerian Law Society including my humble self are committing an offence in breach of the law. That the activities of the Nigerian Law Society including my humble self are illegal.”

Ayorinde said the CAC Registrar General misled the public by “deliberately” failing to make any reference or allusion to the existence of the judgment in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2023.

Stressing that the claims made by the CAC against the NLS are untrue, false and misleading, Ayorinde asked the Registrar General to issue a public letter of apology to retract and correct the alleged defamatory publication.

Ayorinde warned that if the retraction is not published within seven days of the receipt of the letter, he would have no other choice than to sue the CAC Registrar General in court to compel the retraction.

The NLS chairman, who noted that the publication lowered his standing in the society as a reputable legal practitioner, added that in the event that the retraction was not made, he will seek the sum of N5 billion as monetary damages, jointly and severally from the Registrar General and the CAC.

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