Crime
NHRC says alleged brutality against Ajaero, an abuse of human rights
NHRC says alleged brutality against Ajaero, an abuse of human rights
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says the brutality meted to Mr Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo state on Wednesday was abuse of his fundamental rights.
The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Mr Anthony Ojukwu, condemned the alleged brutality against Ajaero stressing that it was an abuse of his right to peaceful protest.
Ojukwu said this in Abuja on Friday when he reacted to the alleged attack on mother’s NLC President.
He said that people’s rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression should be respected for the progress of human and Nigerian society.
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The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that NLC alleged that Ajaero was picked up at the state secretariat of the congress and taken to an unknown location where he was brutalized.
Ojukwu, condemned the attack, describing it as gross violation of human rights of Ajaero and other Nigerians who might use protests to register their grievances against constituted authorities.
“It is a reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“Brutality on Mr. Joe Ajaero, a senior labour leader, represents impunity and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of individuals to associate and express their views and opinions freely, which is the cornerstone of a democratic society like ours.
The Commission reiterated that in a democratic nation like Nigeria, the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression must be respected and upheld no matter how uncomfortable law enforcement agents felt.
Ojukwu, therefore, called on the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate this ugly incident in order to bring the perpetrators to Justice and ensure such acts of brutality were never repeated or tolerated.
He maintained that persons responsible for the brutality were held accountable for their actions, to serve as a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated in the society.
According to him, it is unethical to use force and violence to arrest unarmed civilians; this brutal act is against international best practices for the promotion and protection of human rights.
“The Commission reiterate its commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in the country,” he said.
“I am using this medium to call upon law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of democracy and respect for human rights when dealing with unarmed civilians while enforcing law and order.
“Together, we can build a society where every citizen’s rights and freedoms are safeguarded, respected and tolerated, where acts of violence and intimidation have no place,” he said.
NHRC says alleged brutality against Ajaero, an abuse of human rights
Three Men Arraigned in Lagos for Alleged Kidnapping, Theft
Three men, Azeez Sadiq, 35, Taiwo Olayinka, 30, and Monsuru Saheed, 21, were brought before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday, facing charges of kidnapping and theft. The suspects, whose residential addresses were not disclosed, were charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, ASP Christian Okonofua, the incident occurred on August 20 at around 12 p.m. near a Mobile petrol station behind F One Bar in Ikorodu, Lagos. The defendants, along with accomplices still at large, allegedly kidnapped two individuals from Ogun State and stole N13,000 from one of the victims.
Local residents apprehended the defendants and reported the matter to the police, leading to their arrest. The charges brought against them contravene Sections 411, 172, and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
During the court hearing, the defendants pleaded not guilty. Magistrate O.A. Ogbe granted each defendant bail of N1 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must own landed property and provide proof of three years’ tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate also ordered that the second charge be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further advice. The case was adjourned until October 3 for mention.
29-Year-Old Sentenced to 7 Years for Secret Cult Membership
A 29-year-old man, Tobiloba Ogunbo, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for being a member of a secret cult, following a ruling by the Ogun Special Cultism Court in Abeokuta.
Ogunbo, who had initially pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, involvement in an unlawful society, and causing a public disturbance, was found guilty by Magistrate O.L. Oke. The court ruled that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to prove Ogunbo’s involvement, leading to the conviction.
The court also noted that the convict will serve his sentence without the option of a fine.
Prosecutor Inspector Olaide Rawlings told the court that Ogunbo and several associates had injured a man, identified as Mr. Anu, during a confrontation in the Sabo area of Abeokuta on January 19, 2024. Following an investigation, Ogunbo was arrested, and he confessed to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
The charges against Ogunbo violated Sections 45(b), 34, 36, and 37 of the Secret Cults Prohibition and Special Provisions Law of Ogun 2016.
Police Nab Three Suspected Kidnappers After N3 Million Ransom in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers involved in a ransom operation after collecting N3 million from the family of their victim.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. According to Hundeyin, the Isashi Police Division received a distress call around noon on Tuesday, reporting the abduction of an individual by unknown assailants in the Oke Moro area of Isashi.
Responding swiftly, police officers arrived at the scene, where they rescued a 24-year-old male victim and apprehended the three suspects.
“Initial investigations revealed the suspects had beaten the victim and demanded a ransom of N2 million, which the victim’s mother paid into two separate bank accounts,” Hundeyin said. He further explained that the suspects also forced the victim to transfer N1 million from his bank account and took his three Nigerian international passports, among other valuables.
The police are continuing their investigation and are working to apprehend others involved who managed to flee the scene.
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