The harrowing spectacle of emaciated, traumatized, impoverished, underage children being paraded before a Federal High Court in Abuja, last Friday, for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests is a sickening indictment of the Nigerian government’s cruelty and its brazen disregard for public decorum and human decency. Parading these visibly malnourished and shackled children, who should be in classrooms or at play, through a courtroom as if they were hardened criminals is an abominable betrayal of justice that reveals a chilling disdain for human rights and a level of cruelty that defies comprehension and basic common sense.....Read Full Article>>
These children, some so frail they collapse in court, have become symbols of President Tinubu’s ruthless obsession with silencing dissent – an obsession so severe it sees defenseless, malnourished children as threats worthy of public humiliation and prosecution. The fact that these children – voices of a generation yearning for change and seeking a better future – are now victims of an oppressive system that sees them as criminals is profoundly alarming. This disgraceful miscarriage of justice is an unbelievable national shame, that dragged Nigeria down to a hitherto unprecedented low in moral degeneracy, and warrants nothing less than an unequivocal global condemnation. To save Nigeria any further embarrassment, Tinubu must end this act of judicial brigandage immediately and free all the arrested children. If he allows this pathetic and shameful attack on civilized society to proceed, he will forever tarnish his legacy, and the verdict of history will be merciless.
The shocking sight of starving, shackled children dragged before a Federal High Court reveals a level of barbarism that Nigerians should all be ashamed of. Justice Obiora Egwatu admitted 114 protesters, including the underaged children, to bail in the sum of N10 million each, after they pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, preferred against them by the Inspector General (IG) of Police. The police in the 10-count charge, accused the defendants of acting in concert with one Andrew Martin Wynne, a Briton, to destabilize Nigeria, during the August 1, #Endbadgovernance protests.
The defendants were further alleged to have attacked and injured police officers and burned police stations, a high court complex, among other acts of arson. Justice Egwatu, who observed that some of the defendants were under 18 years old, ordered that the adults be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Service, while the minors be remanded in the Borstal Home of the Correctional Service. He subsequently adjourned till January 24, 2025 for trial. During the arraignment, four children collapsed, leading to a suspension of proceedings.
Watching these vulnerable children, the insensitivity is simply mind-boggling and inexcusable. By prosecuting these children, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated an appalling prioritization of power over humanity, opting to silence the youth instead of addressing their grievances. These images are more than disturbing; they expose in spectacular fashion, the hollow nature of a government that professes to protect its citizens but crushes the most vulnerable when they dare demand accountability. This is not merely an injustice; it is a monstrous abuse of power, revealing a government willing to exploit every ounce of its authority to terrorize even the youngest of its citizens. These actions are nothing short of barbaric, showing an absolute failure to uphold basic human decency, let alone the rights of children who dared to dream of a better Nigeria. Each day these children remain detained, prosecuted, and brutalized is a stain on Nigeria’s conscience and a call for global condemnation. The world must not turn a blind eye as Nigeria tortures its youth in a relentless, oppressive campaign to squash every dissenting voice that cries out for justice.
A nation reveals itself by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens. The disturbing conditions under which the alleged accused children were brought to court vindicates the very justification for their participation in the protest in the first place. The children are being prosecuted for their alleged role in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place between August 1 and August 10, 2024. If they are being arraigned three months later, the dehumanizing treatment they had been subjected to all this while, can only be best imagined. It is unfathomable that Nigeria, a country that claims to champion children’s rights, would subject minors to such harsh, dehumanizing treatment for daring to raise their voices in peaceful protests. When children in a democratic society find it necessary to join protests to demand better governance, the response from the state should be self-reflection, not brutality. Yet, in Nigeria, children who sought a better future, have been detained, malnourished, humiliated, and dragged through a judicial process that even adults should not be subjected to for peaceful protests. That children have to risk their lives to voice their demands for basic rights is a condemnation of Tinubu’s leadership, which has repeatedly failed its youngest citizens. These children were arrested during protests sparked by frustration with rising costs of living, hunger, systemic poverty, corruption, bad governance, and the brutal suppression of dissent. Rather than address the legitimate concerns raised by protesters, the Nigerian government has chosen to vilify, intimidate, and read the riot act. The prosecution of these children symbolizes a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of the responsibility and trust that a government should uphold for its youth.
Moreover, the psychological impact of such traumatic experiences on these children cannot be overstated. The trauma of being arrested, detained, and prosecuted can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and development. The circumstances alone—a courtroom filled with impoverished children, some collapsing from hunger—paint a damning picture of the Nigerian justice system. It is a cruel irony that these children, who were protesting for a better future, are now being denied the very future they were fighting for. These children deserve justice, not punishment. They deserve to be protected, not persecuted. And they deserve a future where their rights are respected and upheld. These children should have been given care, not charges; their grievances addressed, not suppressed. Instead, they were met with shackles, as Nigeria responded by punishing them for their poverty.
Arraigning the accused person on Tuesday, the police told the court that the offence attracts life imprisonment as punishment if convicted.....Read Full Article>>
An Enugu State magistrate court has remanded a woman, Mrs. Ada Ogbogu, in the Enugu Correctional Centre for allegedly breaking her three-year-old stepson’s bone with a pestle.
Arraigning the accused person on Tuesday, the police told the court that the offence attracts life imprisonment as punishment if convicted.
The charge marked CME/646C/2024, reads, “That you, Ada Ogbogu, female, on the 23rd of October 2024, at about 1430hours at Ike Ani Estate, Emene Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to maim or disfigure one Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, male, aged 3 years, pour hot water on his nose, mouth and hit him with a pestle, which dislocated his left legend caused him serious bodily and thereby committed an office punishable under Section 288 (a) of the Enugu Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II. Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”
Her bail application was rejected by Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh, who ordered that she should be remanded at Enugu Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the matter to November 26, 2024, when the report from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice, is being expected.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, told journalists that Mrs. Ogbogu’s arraignment was in line with the administration’s vow to follow the matter to a logical conclusion, insisting that no child should be dehumanised in the state.
“Recall that the State Government had taken swift action on this matter by arresting the accused and today she is already in court.
“This decisive move demonstrates Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to protecting children. So, if you mistreat or abuse any child in Enugu, then you are in for trouble. Period,” she stated.
At least four people have been reported dead, and several houses have been set on fire following a violent resurgence of cult violence between rival groups in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. The deadly clash, which involved members of the Black Axe and Supreme Vikings confraternities, erupted over the weekend and continued into Monday, leaving the local community in a state of panic.....Read Full Article>>
According to sources, the violence began on Sunday and Monday when the two cult groups engaged in a bloody confrontation, resulting in widespread chaos in the North Bank area. As the clash intensified, residents and traders rushed to close their shops and flee, seeking safety from the escalating violence. Fearing reprisals, many locals have abandoned their homes, further adding to the tense atmosphere in the area.
Alhaji Haruna Nuhu, the chairman of the anti- cultism group in the North Bank area, known as Operations Shara, confirmed the attacks, stating that the clash between the two rival gangs began on Saturday night and stretched into Sunday and Monday. Nuhu also reported that four cult members were killed during the skirmishes, although their identities remain unknown.
He further detailed that, in addition to the four confirmed deaths, one victim was gruesomely dismembered, and another’ s body was discovered with severe injuries, including a pierced head. Nuhu said, ” As of yesterday, only one person was killed. Last week, two people were killed, and one of them was butchered horribly. We’ ve found one body with its head pierced. Yesterday, a person was shot in the eye. All in all, between last week and today, four people have died. ”
One anonymous resident of the area described the events as a ” rampage, ” mentioning that the violence also included the burning of homes. The resident expressed concern about the frequent cult clashes, which have disrupted daily life and led to significant fear among the local population. He said, ” There was a rampage yesterday in North Bank, and today, houses were set on fire again on Ter Guma Street. This constant violence is a serious problem that affects everyone, not just cult members. The government needs to act before more lives are lost. ”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, attempts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comment have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the community remains on edge, with many residents wondering when the authorities will take concrete steps to address the growing problem of cult violence in the state.
Cancer affects millions worldwide, and while anyone can develop cancer, certain groups have a higher risk due to specific factors such as genetics, lifestyle, or pre- existing health conditions. Here are four groups of people who may be more susceptible to cancerous diseases and some contributing factors.....Read Full Article>>
Individuals with a Family History of Cancer
Genetics play a significant role in cancer risk. Those with a family history of cancer, particularly close relatives who had cancer at a young age, are more likely to develop similar conditions. Certain genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Family medical history can serve as an important indicator of one’ s cancer risk, so people in this group may benefit from regular screenings and genetic counseling.
Smokers And Heavy Drinkers
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are leading lifestyle factors that increase cancer risk. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that are directly linked to lung, throat, and oral cancers, among others.
Heavy drinking, meanwhile, damages cells in the liver, mouth, and throat, increasing the chances of developing cancer in these areas. People who smoke and drink heavily have a compounded risk, making lifestyle changes essential to reduce their vulnerability.
People Exposed To Environmental Toxins
Those who work in or live near areas with high levels of pollutants, radiation, or harmful chemicals may be at greater risk of developing cancer.
Prolonged exposure to chemicals like asbestos, benzene, and pesticides can lead to cancers of the lungs, skin, and other organs. Additionally, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays without proper protection can increase skin cancer risk. Individuals in these environments can benefit from protective measures and regular health check- ups.
Individuals With Weakened Immune Systems
Understanding cancer risk factors can guide individuals toward proactive health measures, including screenings, lifestyle adjustments, and consultations with healthcare providers. Early detection and prevention are essential tools in reducing cancer risk and improving long- term health.
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