Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore has openly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for their violent response during a peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During an interview on Prime Time, a current affairs program aired on Arise Television and monitored by LMSINT MEDIA on Monday, Sowore strongly condemned the police assault on peaceful demonstrators who gathered to demand freedom for Nnamdi Kanu. According to Sowore, the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest when officers of the Nigeria Police Force used force to disperse them. He emphasized that the police’s reaction showed bias against citizens who peacefully express their grievances. “The only reason they attacked us was because we were peaceful,” Sowore said. “If we were armed bandits, they would never have come near us.” The human rights activist argued that the government’s continued hostility toward peaceful activists exposes a worrying double standard in Nigeria’s security system. Sowore noted that while criminals and bandits roam freely, those who peacefully demand justice are treated as enemies of the state. He further accused the authorities of using security agencies as tools of intimidation to silence dissenting voices. Sowore maintained that Nigerians have the constitutional right to protest, speak freely, and demand accountability from those in power. The protest, which took place in several parts of the country, called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya. Many human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to respect court orders regarding Kanu’s release. Observers believe that the peaceful demonstration reflects a growing frustration among Nigerians over the continued detention of the IPOB leader and the government’s disregard for rule of law. Sowore’s remarks have since sparked wide discussions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the use of force against peaceful protesters while criminal elements are left unchecked. As of now, the government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the police actions or Sowore’s accusations.
Amnesty International has once again emphasized the urgent need for both the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria to completely abolish the death penalty across the nation. This appeal was made during a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Abuja to commemorate the World Day Against Death Penalty, an event organized to raise awareness about the inhumane and irreversible nature of capital punishment. During the program, Mrs. Barbara Magaji, the Programmes Manager of Amnesty International Nigeria, called on Nigerian authorities to take decisive action toward ending the death penalty. She highlighted that the death penalty not only violates the right to life but also undermines human dignity. According to her, the irreversible consequences of wrongful convictions and the failure of fair trial standards make the abolition of the death penalty a critical human rights issue. The event, organized by Amnesty International in partnership with the French Embassy in Nigeria, served as a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders, including policymakers, legal experts, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations. Participants examined the current state of capital punishment in Nigeria, shared research findings, and discussed feasible policy alternatives to ensure justice reform that upholds international human rights standards. Mrs. Magaji reiterated Amnesty International’s commitment to advocating for justice and human rights globally. She encouraged Nigeria to follow the lead of countries that have either abolished the death penalty or placed a moratorium on its use. The discussion also emphasized that the death penalty has not proven to deter crime more effectively than other forms of punishment. Instead, it perpetuates cycles of violence and injustice, particularly in a justice system that often faces challenges such as corruption, lack of legal representation, and inadequate investigations. In her address, Mrs. Magaji urged the Nigerian government to strengthen rehabilitation and reformation systems rather than resorting to execution. She also appealed to the media and human rights institutions to amplify the conversation on the death penalty and its moral, social, and legal implications. Stakeholders at the event agreed that it is time for Nigeria to align its criminal justice system with global human rights principles by adopting alternative punishments that respect life and dignity. They called for a collective movement that includes government bodies, human rights organizations, and international partners to end capital punishment once and for all. Amnesty International’s campaign against the death penalty is part of its global effort to promote justice and equality under the law. The organization continues to encourage nations to choose life over death by implementing laws that promote fairness, compassion, and human rights.
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Explore the heartbreaking rise of child scavengers in Nigeria, a crisis fueled by poverty and economic challenges. Learn about their stories and the urgent call for government intervention. A Growing Crisis Among Nigerian Children In today’s Nigeria, while a few children still enjoy the comfort of a warm home and daily meals, the harsh economic realities have forced the majority to seek sustenance in unconventional and heartbreaking ways—scavenging through refuse dumps for survival. This troubling trend highlights the dire state of poverty affecting families nationwide. The Harsh Reality of Child Scavengers From the beginning of the year, children as young as nine and up to 14 years old can be seen carrying sacks filled with discarded items such as used cartons, empty cans, plastic bottles, and bowls. These scavenged materials are sold for meager sums, helping the children contribute to their families’ survival or save for basic needs. Jacob’s Story: A 10-Year-Old Breadwinner Jacob Olorunfemi, a 10-year-old boy, is a testament to the struggles many Nigerian children face. Jacob shared his story of being pulled out of lessons due to his parents’ financial struggles after the festive season: “I don’t go to lessons anymore because my parents said there is no money after Christmas. I used to attend lessons that cost N500 per week.” His parents work tirelessly—his mother as a cleaner and laundry worker, and his father at a bus park. Yet, their income barely covers basic necessities. Influenced by a friend, Jacob joined the scavenging routine and has since saved N2,000, a significant achievement for him. Yekini’s Struggle: A Life Without Parental Support For 11-year-old Yekini Salam, the challenges are even more daunting. Orphaned at a young age, he lives with his stepmother, who has three other children. Yekini dropped out of school years ago and now scavenges for plastics, cans, and bottles to survive. “I want to save enough money to learn aluminium window and door-frame construction skills,” he says with determination. Voices of Concern The heartbreaking stories of children like Jacob and Yekini have drawn attention from human rights activists and concerned citizens. Human Rights Activist’s Take Mr. Amos Magbagbeola, a human rights activist, described the situation as alarming: “This is a very painful and worrisome situation. Children labour day and night just to feed. The current economic condition has degraded parents to struggle endlessly, leaving children to fend for themselves. The government must act swiftly to address this menace.” A Civil Servant’s Perspective Mrs. Juliana Obuh, a civil servant, expressed similar concerns: “Everywhere you look, underage children are begging, scavenging, and performing menial jobs. These children are vulnerable to exploitation and may easily become tools for fraud and crime. The government must step in urgently—these children are the nation’s future.” A Call for Action The increasing number of child scavengers reflects deeper issues of poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education. Public schools, once a beacon of hope for many families, now require fees for textbooks, writing materials, and other essentials, further alienating children from their right to education. Key Recommendations: Conclusion The plight of child scavengers in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the socioeconomic challenges faced by the country. These children, often referred to as the future of the nation, deserve better opportunities and a chance to thrive. It is up to the government, communities, and all stakeholders to ensure these young lives are not wasted but nurtured for a brighter tomorrow. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed the arrest and detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in connection with an alleged illegal oil bunkering operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This development has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians and human rights advocates. Details of the Arrest According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops apprehended Mr. Soyombo at an alleged illegal oil bunkering site. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the region. The Army stated:“Intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for bursting pipelines and making illegal connections. Troops conducted a deliberate operation at the site, leading to several arrests, including that of Fisayo Soyombo.“ FIJ’s Response FIJ reported via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that Mr. Soyombo has been detained for three days, his gadgets seized, and communication with him cut off. The outlet emphasized the need for transparency, urging the Army to preserve all evidence tied to the case. Public Outcry The journalist’s arrest has sparked significant backlash on social media and from civil society organizations. Prominent voices have called for his immediate release, citing concerns about press freedom and human rights. Nigeria’s Press Freedom Challenges Nigeria remains a challenging environment for journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks the country 123rd out of 180 nations in its 2023 Press Freedom Index. Journalists frequently face monitoring, harassment, and arbitrary arrests, with many cases of violence against them going unpunished. Army’s Defense The Army has assured the public that Mr. Soyombo’s detention is part of preliminary investigations into the oil theft operation. They stressed the importance of verifying facts before publishing allegations. “The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement. We remain committed to combating oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s resources,” the Army’s statement added. Calls for Justice Civil society groups, including Amnesty International and SERAP, have joined the chorus demanding Mr. Soyombo’s release. Many argue that his arrest is a direct attack on investigative journalism and press freedom in Nigeria. READ ALSO:
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Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has openly criticized the administration led by President Bola Tinubu for permitting the Nigerian police to bring charges of treason and terrorism against peaceful protesters, some of whom are minors.These charges were filed following protests that erupted over the significant economic difficulties affecting Nigerians, which many attribute to the government’s adherence to neoliberal policies advocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The policies have been seen as contributing to rising living costs and a decline in the standard of living.Falana, a well-known advocate for civil and human rights with decades of experience, pointed out the irony of President Tinubu’s current stance. He reminded the public that Tinubu himself was once a victim of state repression and had to flee Nigeria during the era of General Sani Abacha’s military rule to avoid a death sentence from an oppressive dictatorship. Today, under President Tinubu’s administration, we see a similar pattern of suppression. Peaceful demonstrators, including children, are being charged with treason simply for expressing their dissatisfaction with the economic hardships that have intensified due to policies influenced by the IMF and the World Bank,” Falana noted.The protests that led to these severe charges occurred in August 2024, when discontent over the surging cost of living and other economic challenges sparked demonstrations across the nation. REAF ALSO: Public Reactions: Divided Opinions and Heightened Emotions. Trump These protests highlighted the deep frustration felt by many Nigerians over economic policies that they believe have worsened their situation. The government’s response, which included arresting and charging protesters with serious offenses like treason and terrorism, has drawn widespread criticism, raising concerns about the state of civil rights and freedom of expression in the country.Falana’s remarks underline the paradox of President Tinubu’s leadership, given his past experience as a political dissident under military rule. This context sheds light on the current administration’s handling of dissent, echoing historical patterns of repression and challenging the narrative of democratic progress.
