The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the reported attacks on journalists and other media professionals covering the nationwide protests on Thursday. The protests were aimed at demanding an end to hardship-inducing economic policies. In a statement issued in Jalingo, IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, highlighted that the Safety Alert Situation Room revealed numerous journalists faced various forms of assault, harassment, and denial of access while covering the protests. “Several journalists were injured, arrested, or had their working tools destroyed,” the statement read. According to IPC’s Safety of Journalists Alert Desk, the incidents included the harassment of a Lagos…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The national protest against hunger and hardship, which saw participation in several states across the nation today, did not witness involvement in Abia State, as most residents opted to stay at home while a few went about their usual activities. Despite initial concerns that protests might erupt in Umuahia and Aba or be hijacked, both cities remained calm with residents refraining from gathering to stage demonstrations. In Aba, most residents stayed indoors or locked their shops, avoiding street protests. Only a scant movement of people and vehicles was observed. In Umuahia, the state capital, the city remained peaceful. Residents who…
At least three people were killed on Tuesday in the Bolari area of Gombe State during clashes involving hoodlums known as Kalare boys. The incident was confirmed during a press briefing on Wednesday by Muhammad Bello, Commandant of the Gombe State sector of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Bello clarified that the killings were unrelated to the forthcoming protest, attributing the violence to internal disputes among the Kalare boys. “I want to correct an impression about an incident that happened yesterday (Tuesday). It’s not related to the mass protest but the usual thing with the Kalare people…
An unemployed man, Cletus Gandu, 40, confessed on Wednesday that he stole two tubers of yam because he was hungry. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) charged Gandu with criminal trespass and theft. Gandu told the Magistrates’ Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, “Hunger pushed me to steal yam on two occasions. I beg for leniency.” Presiding Judge Michael Bawa reserved sentencing until August 6 following the defendant’s guilty plea. Bawa ordered that Gandu be remanded until the sentencing date. Earlier, NSCDC Prosecutor Marcus Audu informed the court that the complainant, Alice Daniel, reported the matter at the corps’…
The popular Mararaba junction in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, descended into chaos on Thursday as angry protesters and hoodlums blocked the road and set tyres on fire. The protesters, wielding placards and leaves, hindered motorists from accessing the road, creating significant disruptions. Fully armed officers and men of the Nigeria Police were seen attempting to control the situation as residents fled in various directions. All plazas, shops, motor parks along the roads, and the popular Mararaba market remained closed in response to the unrest. The protest organizers are calling for several demands, including the reversal of the fuel…
The #EndBadGovernance protest has significantly impacted Delta State, especially in Asaba, the state capital, where the city was effectively locked down. Shops, businesses, markets, and offices remained closed, while streets were deserted as banks and other financial institutions shut their doors. Protesters gathered at the popular Interbau Roundabout before proceeding through Nnebisi Road to the main market, Ogbeogonogo. Initially, police and soldiers attempted to restrict their movement, but the protesters maneuvered through, moving in a file towards their destination. Despite no official announcements from banks regarding closures, employees were advised to stay home as financial institutions monitored the situation. A…
Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have declared that it is dangerous to protest in the state during this period, urging youths to refrain from participating in the planned protest scheduled for August 1. Addressing the youths at an event in Ibadan, the state capital, APC leaders including Kolawole Raji, and former House of Representatives members Muraina Ajibola, Dapo Lam, Sunday Adepoju, and Segun Odebunmi, emphasized the potential risks involved. Raji, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, highlighted the dangers of the planned protest and appealed to the youths not to join it. He underscored President…
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on leaders of youth groups, organized labour, and the people of the state to avoid participating in the planned protest against bad governance scheduled for August 1. Speaking at IBB Square in Makurdi, the state capital, Governor Alia acknowledged the constitutional right to stage peaceful protests to press home demands but warned that mischief makers might exploit the situation to cause chaos. “Social protests can be devastating as they can lead to economic setbacks and loss of lives,” Alia said, referencing the #EndSARS protests and a recent protest in Ukum. The governor,…
The Ogun State High Court on Wednesday issued an order restricting the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests to four specific locations within the state and limiting the protest activities to between 8 am and 5 pm. Justice O. Ogunfowora granted the application moved by the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN). The order mandates that all protests under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria slogan, or any other related slogan, from August 1, 2024, to August 10, 2024, must adhere to these time and place restrictions. Protests are permitted only at the following locations: – MKO Stadium, Abeokuta – Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota…
Aisha Yesufu, a prominent rights activist and co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) advocacy group, has called for the impeachment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a post on X, Yesufu urged senators to impeach Akpabio, assuring them that they would not face any resistance. “Dear Senators. It is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio. It is still one of you that will replace him as Senate President,” Yesufu wrote. “You will not encounter any resistance. Propaganda cannot work on people that are hungry. The growling of their stomach will drown out the noise and they won’t be able to hear the…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has established an Immigration Fraud Section in several of its commands nationwide, according to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Wednesday. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed this development on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), led by its Director General, Superintendent Rabhi Abdallah, at the EFCC corporate headquarters in Abuja. Olukoyede explained that the new section was created to combat immigration fraud and mitigate the reputational damage it causes the country. “Apart from what we have done in the foreign exchange market, two weeks ago,…
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has restricted participants in the August 1 hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium. Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a ruling on an ex-parte application brought before him by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In the ex-parte application argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, the FCT Minister sought an interim injunction to restrain the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading along any roadway, streets, offices, and public premises within…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotions of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff on Grade Levels 07 – 15 for the years 2022 and 2023. A total of 1,018 senior and junior staff were successfully promoted following the conclusion of the exercise in April 2024. The minister has also granted approval for an immediate review of the Conditions of Service and Operations Manual for the FCDA. This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, who stated that the approval was conveyed by the Chairman of the FCT…
Unknown gunmen launched fresh attacks in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Wednesday, causing widespread panic in and around the city. Reports indicate that the gunmen targeted multiple locations, including the popular Ikenegbu area, Wethedral Road, Okigwe Road, the Amawusa area on Douglas Road, and Toronto Street extending to MCC Road Junction. This follows an earlier attack on Monday, where gunmen killed four policemen on duty at Orji Road and stole their rifles. Residents were thrown into chaos by sporadic gunshots in different parts of the town, leading many to flee for safety. A fish seller at Relief Market,…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Federal Government for allegedly funding counter protests to oppose planned peaceful demonstrations by aggrieved Nigerians against bad governance. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Uzodinma, HURIWA described the government’s actions as a “clear show of shame.” “It is a clear show of shame that the same government that opposes the protests by persons opposed to bad governance has now begun funding protests against the end bad governance protests,” Uzodinma said. “This doesn’t make any logical sense at all.” HURIWA asserted that the Federal Government’s actions…
Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has denied reports that he has left the Labour Party. Okonkwo affirmed his continued membership during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday. “First of all, let me say I am embarrassed by your comment. I am just hearing it from your media station that I dumped the Labour Party,” Okonkwo said. “I put up the statement that I made so that I wouldn’t be misconstrued. So, where did you get that from? It’s not certainly from the statement that I made. I am still a full-fledged member of the…
Alphonsus Eba, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, announced on Wednesday that the party has secured a police permit to march in all 196 political wards of the state in opposition to the nationwide protest. Eba disclosed this during an interaction with journalists at the APC Secretariat in Calabar. He stated that he would lead APC members through designated routes in Calabar for a 14-day period. “Other party officials and registered members will engage in similar marches in their respective local governments and wards starting from August 1st,” Eba said. He emphasized that the march…
The Nasarawa State Police Command has provided an update on recent arrests and the recovery of weapons in its ongoing campaign against crime in the state. This was disclosed during a press briefing on Tuesday by the Commissioner of Police, CP Shehu Umar Nadada. CP Nadada highlighted the dedication and effectiveness of the law enforcement officers in the region, detailing numerous arrests and recoveries: July 5, 2024: Based on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested Julius Oseweya, 30, in Keana and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Subsequent Investigations: Led to the arrest of Adamu…
A suspected kidnapper has been killed following a gun duel with the Delta State Commissioner of Police Special Team in Oviri-Ogor Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The suspect succumbed to gunshot injuries in a hospital after the confrontation with the police team, which was led by ASP Julius Robinson. Other members of the kidnapping gang, who also sustained gunshot injuries, managed to flee the crime scene, InfoStride News reports. The police recovered two pump-action guns and sixteen rounds of live cartridges from the scene. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja. This was disclosed in a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X handle on Tuesday. According to the commission, the suspects were apprehended on Monday in the Wuye area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following credible intelligence on their suspected fraudulent activities. The statement read: “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Directorate, have arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Monday, 29 July 2024, at the Wuye axis of Abuja following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement…