Tensions continue to rise in Rivers State as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for what he describes as a “double standard” in handling peaceful protests. His comments follow the forceful disruption of a pro-Fubara rally in Ahoada East, where police reportedly used teargas on elderly women and peaceful demonstrators. Two Sides of the Same Protest: Peaceful in Port Harcourt, Chaotic in Ahoada On Monday, April 15, 2025, two simultaneous protests unfolded across Rivers State, exposing sharp divides in public sentiment: While the Port Harcourt protest proceeded peacefully, the Ahoada protest turned chaotic as security agents dispersed the crowd using teargas, despite the demonstrators being largely composed of elderly women and youths. “The police treated the two protests differently. That’s not justice—it’s oppression,” said Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Adviser to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media. Disturbing Footage from Ahoada Videos from the Ahoada protest show women kneeling and crying as they chant: “We want Fubara, we want peace.” One distressed protester added, “We are hungry, suffering, and dying. Sim is our hope.” According to reports, an elderly woman fainted after being teargassed, further intensifying public outrage over the police response. Port Harcourt Protesters Applaud Emergency Rule In contrast, the Port Harcourt demonstrators marched from Garrison Junction to Isaac Boro Park, holding placards like: The protest was led by Mrs. Inime Aguma, a former Commissioner for Social Welfare, who applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state. “Our democratic institutions had collapsed. The emergency rule has restored peace and leadership,” Aguma stated. Governor’s Aide Slams Supporters of Emergency Rule Fubara’s media adviser, Omatsogunwa, dismissed the support for the state of emergency as “endorsement of illegality.” He also accused the sole administrator of nurturing political ambitions in Cross River State and called on both national and international stakeholders to closely monitor events in Rivers. “The whole world must watch what the state Commissioner of Police and the sole administrator are doing,” he warned. Constitutional Crisis: The Legal Battle Continues The political unrest in Rivers State intensified after President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly. In response, the National Assembly backed a declaration of emergency rule. However, 11 governors from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the legality of this declaration. According to reports from Premium Times Nigeria, the governors have hired senior lawyers to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is preparing an official response on behalf of the Presidency. What This Means for Rivers State As Rivers State faces a political crossroad, citizens and leaders alike are calling for: The voices from both streets and courtrooms echo a shared sentiment: Rivers State deserves peace and legitimate governance. Read more about the impact of state of emergency declarations in Nigeria on governance and democracy. More on the national political climate at Premium Times Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
South African Police Brutality on Nigerians Sparks Outrage The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has strongly condemned the tragic death of a 40-year-old Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli, who reportedly died while in South African police custody. This unfortunate incident comes less than a month after NICASA denounced the death of another Nigerian, Jeremiah Okoye, a 50-year-old man who also died in police custody on January 13. NICASA Decries Rising Deaths of Nigerians in Police Custody Speaking in a midnight interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NICASA’s President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, described the recurrent deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as “unbearable” and deeply alarming. Okoli, originally from Akpu, Orumba South in Anambra State, is survived by his wife and child. “The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another painful loss due to police brutality. Okoli was stopped, searched, and later taken to his residence for further inspection along with his brother,” Onyekwelu stated. Despite finding nothing incriminating, the police officers allegedly tortured, beat, and brutalized both men. The excessive force proved fatal as Okoli collapsed into a coma. His brother’s desperate attempts to revive him were unsuccessful while the officers reportedly stood by and watched. Paramedics later arrived and pronounced him dead. Same Police Unit Accused in Both Deaths Onyekwelu revealed that Okoye’s death was still under investigation when Okoli died under similar circumstances, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit. “This is the same group of officers linked to Okoye’s killing. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody within a month, raising serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa,” he added. NICASA leaders in Limpopo expressed distress over the disturbing pattern of targeted brutality against Nigerians. The association is calling for a swift and impartial investigation. Calls for Justice and Government Intervention NICASA has formally reported both incidents to the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg, urging immediate action to prevent further deaths. “We demand that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) thoroughly investigates these gruesome killings and ensures that those responsible face justice,” Onyekwelu stated firmly. Despite the rising concerns, NICASA has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully while awaiting further action from the authorities. 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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A tragic case of alleged police brutality has surfaced in Kwara State, as a 35-year-old man, Tunji Jimoh, reportedly lost his life under suspicious circumstances while in police detention in Ilorin. According to reliable sources, Tunji, a resident of the Erubu/Asunnara community, was arrested on Friday over a debt of ₦220,000 owed to a friend, whose brother is a police officer. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) at the Kwara State Police Command. Family members revealed that Tunji was denied bail and left in custody late on Friday. By Saturday morning, they were informed of his sudden death. A source alleges that Tunji may have been tortured in detention as part of a deal involving the creditor and some officers. Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated in a press release on Sunday:“The state police command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic death of one Mr. Jimoh Abdulquadri, which occurred on December 20, 2024. The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of ₦220,000. Discreet investigations have commenced, and updates will be shared as the case progresses. No stone will be left unturned.” The circumstances surrounding Tunji’s death have raised concerns about possible police misconduct. Human rights advocates are calling for transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation to ensure justice is served. 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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In 2024, Nigeria faced alarming levels of insecurity and human rights violations, with over 526 people killed and 949 kidnapped in violent attacks nationwide, according to the Nigeria 2024 Annual Human Rights Report. These figures underscore the escalating security challenges in the country, exacerbated by kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes. Human Rights Day Report HighlightsLaunched in Abuja on December 10 to mark Human Rights Day, the report by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) sheds light on critical violations, including extrajudicial killings, police brutality, and unlawful detentions, despite constitutional and international safeguards. Systemic Issues in Law EnforcementPLAC’s Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, highlighted systemic flaws within security agencies, citing abuse of power, harassment, extortion, and even sexual violence by officials. These violations have deepened citizens’ mistrust in law enforcement and amplified the culture of impunity. “Victims of human rights abuse often face delays in justice and a lack of transparency in investigations,” the report stated. “This systemic failure undermines Nigeria’s rule of law and fosters frustration among citizens.” Cybercrimes Act AmendmentOne positive development in 2024 was the amendment of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, narrowing the definition of cyberstalking. This reform aims to reduce the misuse of the law to silence journalists and individuals critical of the government. Despite this progress, arbitrary arrests and detentions over alleged defamatory publications persisted. Socio-Economic ChallengesEconomic hardships, fueled by rising petroleum prices and a depreciating naira, significantly impacted Nigerians’ socio-economic rights. Inflation surged, driving up the cost of living and sparking widespread #EndBadGovernance protests in August. These demonstrations highlighted citizens’ discontent with worsening economic conditions. Vulnerable Groups: Children and Gender-Based ViolenceThe report also spotlighted violations against vulnerable groups, including children and women. Child trafficking, forced labor, and abduction continue to rob children of safety and dignity. Gender-based violence (GBV) remains prevalent, with documented cases ranging from domestic abuse to targeted killings. “In 2024, 28 cases of trafficking and sexual violence were recorded, though many incidents go unreported,” the report noted, calling for urgent government action. Recommendations for Policy ReformsThe report urges the government to adopt comprehensive policies addressing poverty alleviation, job creation, and educational opportunities while tackling inflation. Ensuring full implementation of the Child Rights Act and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act across all states is critical to safeguarding vulnerable groups. On security, PLAC advocates for strategic reforms to address systemic flaws in law enforcement, enhance accountability, and rebuild trust between citizens and the authorities. ConclusionThe 2024 Nigeria Human Rights Report paints a sobering picture of a nation grappling with widespread rights violations and economic challenges. As citizens continue to demand accountability and justice, urgent action by the government is essential to protect lives, restore trust, and promote socio-economic rights. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
