TheNewsGuru

Tag: Asylum

  • I never got asylum in Canada- DJ Switch

    I never got asylum in Canada- DJ Switch

    Popular DJ, Switch has debunked claims that she got asylum in Canada amid the dust that trailed her participation in last year’s #EndSARS protest.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the self-acclaimed activist had been in the news since she recorded the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate by soldiers in October 2020.

    Switch, whose real name is Obianuju Udeh, had gone into hiding since the incident, having alleged threats to her life at the time.

    The location of the entertainer remained unknown since then, with many Nigerians suggesting that she was granted asylum in Canada.

    The speculations gained more attention after a video of the DJ testifying before a committee of the Canadian parliament surfaced online.

    But in a now-deleted post via her Instagram stories, Switch dismissed the rumours that she was given asylum in Canada, saying she is yet to travel out of the country.

     

    “To the people who know me so well, I don’t really share, except my craft, art comments on social issues that affect us all,” she wrote.

    “But let me say this.. news outlets and bloggers, I know traffic is the game but when you don’t really investigate properly and run with things that you don’t know for sure or have verified, you sincerely hurt and in some cases cause serious complications for people in ‘real life’

    “I’ve been cooked up in a house for months. I never got asylum in Canada. I didn’t even speak to anyone who claimed they spoke to me on the issue.

     

  • High hopes for Igboho as Obasanjo, Yoruba monarchs mount pressure on Benin Republic for asylum

    High hopes for Igboho as Obasanjo, Yoruba monarchs mount pressure on Benin Republic for asylum

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some Yoruba-speaking monarchs in Benin Republic have mounted pressure on President Patrice Talon and other top government officials to grant asylum to embattled Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Igboho has been in detention since July 19, 2021 when he was arrested by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou.

    He was arrested with his wife, Ropo but the Cour De’appal De Cotonou ordered release of the Germany-based wife of the activist, saying there were no allegations against her.

    As part of efforts to rescue the embattled agitator, Obasanjo, according to reports by The Cable was in Benin Republic in the first week of August, 2021.

    He was said to have travelled to Benin Republic to condole with Nicephore Soglo who recently lost his wife – Roseline Soglo.

    It was gathered the former Beninise president and Obasanjo have maintained a long-standing relationship over the years.

    TheCable’s source said “He also met with Patrice Talon. The purpose of the meeting was to seek soft-landing for Sunday Igboho.

    “He’s asking the Beninise authorities to grant the separatist leader asylum, and not to return him to Nigeria.”

    Also, some Yoruba-speaking monarchs in Benin Republic have mounted pressure on the government to grant asylum to Igboho

    TNG gathered that the monarchs have submitted the letter to Talon and some other top government officials including the Minister of Interior and the Senate President.

    The letter was signed by the Alajuwon of Ajuwon land, who is the President of the Council of Obas, alongside the Onikoyi Abesan-an, Alajase of Ajase land, Onimase of Imase land, Oniohorige of Ohori, Onnilaase of Ilase land, Onikrake of Kraka land from Seme town.

    Spokesperson for Ilana Egbe Omo Odua, confirmed the strategic interventions by the monarchs.

    He said: “Yes, the monarchs have been very helpful. We are hopeful that Igboho will be granted asylum this week.”

  • BREAKING: UK govt pulls down policy granting asylum to IPOB members

    BREAKING: UK govt pulls down policy granting asylum to IPOB members

    The United Kingdom (UK) had pulled down its asylum policy in relation to the separatist pro Biafra group known as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other Biafra splinter groups.

    The was contained in an e-mailed statement, in which the UK Home Office said the policy is being reviewed and will be uploaded once ready.

    The email reads: “Our country policy and information notes are published on the gov.uk website. They are kept under review and updated periodically.

    “We publish our notes as our decisions on protection claims can be appealed to the public immigration courts, so it is clearer and fairer to all involved (applicants, their lawyers, judges, stakeholders such as the UNHCR) to know what our position and evidence base is.

    “Our note on Biafra separatists has been taken down for review; an update is expected shortly”.

    Recall the Federal Government had lambasted the UK, saying the reported decision of the British government to grant asylum to “persecuted” members of the IPOB is disrespectful of Nigeria as a nation.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this, also said that the decision amounted to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.

    Fielding questions at a NAN flagship interview program, NANForum, on Tuesday in Abuja, Mohammed said the decision is unacceptable to Nigeria.

    “Let me say straight away that this issue is within the purview of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and I am sure he will handle it appropriately.

    “But as the spokesman for the Federal Government of Nigeria, I will say that if indeed the report that the UK will grant asylum to supposedly persecuted IPOB and MASSOB members is true, then something is wrong somewhere.

    “Against the background of the fact that IPOB is not only proscribed but also designated as a terrorist organisation here in Nigeria, the UK’s decision is disrespectful of Nigeria as a nation.

    “The decision amounts to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security. It is not only unconscionable, it is inexplicable,’’ he said.

    The minister said that there had recently been heightened attacks against security agencies in the South East Zone. He said IPOB had been fingered as being behind the attacks inspite of its denials.

    “For the UK to choose this time to give succour to IPOB, beggars belief and calls to question the UK’s real intention.

    “If we could go down the memory lane, what the UK has done is like Nigeria offering asylum to members of the IRA before the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement,’’ he said.

    Recall the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) had released new guidelines to its decision makers on how to consider and grant asylum applications by members of Biafran secessionist groups.

    In the guidelines, asylum is to be granted to “persecuted” members IPOB, a group that Nigeria had designated as a terrorist organisation.

    Also in the guidelines, asylum is to be granted to the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

    Meanwhile, the British government has pulled down the notice it published regarding its asylum policy in relation to separatist pro-Biafra groups.

    In the email sent to Radio Now and signed by Hannah Dawson, senior communications officer-Newsdesk at the Home office, the British government said the policy is being reviewed and will be uploaded once it is ready.

    The UK government, however, did not give a timeframe as to when the updated policy will be uploaded to their website.

    Earlier, the British High Commission, responding to the allegations by the Federal Government, in an apparent rebuff, said the UK had a proud history of providing protection to those who needed it.

    The High Commission in an email to PUNCH explained that all asylum and human rights claims from Nigerian nationals are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the UK international obligations.

    The emailed statement reads: “The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights.

    “Our country policy and information notes are published on the gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated periodically – an update to the Biafra separatist note is expected shortly. We publish them since our decisions can be appealed in the immigration courts, which are public, so it is clearer and fairer for all involved (applicants, their lawyers, judges, stakeholders such as the UNHCR) to know what our position and evidence base is.

    “All asylum and human rights claims from Nigerian nationals are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations.”

  • Asylum to IPOB members: UK disrespectful, sabotaging terrorism fight- FG

    Asylum to IPOB members: UK disrespectful, sabotaging terrorism fight- FG

    The Federal Government says the reported decision of the United Kingdom to grant asylum to “persecuted” members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is disrespectful of Nigeria as a nation.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also said that the decision amounted to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.

    Fielding questions at a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) flagship interview programe, NANForum, on Tuesday in Abuja, Mohammed said the decision is unacceptable to Nigeria.

    “Let me say straightaway that this issue is within the purview of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and I am sure he will handle it appropriately.

    “But as the spokesman for the Federal Government of Nigeria, I will say that if indeed the report that the UK will grant asylum to supposedly persecuted IPOB and MASSOB members is true, then something is wrong somewhere.

    “Against the background of the fact that IPOB is not only proscribed but also designated as a terrorist organisation here in Nigeria, the UK’s decision is disrespectful of Nigeria as a nation.

    “The decision amounts to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.

    “It is not only unconscionable, it is inexplicable,’’ he said.

    The minister said that there had recently been heightened attacks against security agencies in the South East Zone.

    He said IPOB had been fingered as being behind the attacks inspite of its denials.

    “For the UK to choose this time to give succour to IPOB beggars belief and calls to question the UK’s real intention.

    “If we could go down the memory lane, what the UK has done is like Nigeria offering asylum to members of the IRA before the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) had released new guidelines to its decision makers on how to consider and grant asylum applications by members of Biafran secessionist groups.

    In the guidelines, asylum is to be granted to “persecuted” members IPOB, a group that Nigeria had designated as a terrorist organisation.

    Also in the guidelines, asylum is to be granted to the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra.

  • BREAKING: SARS officer seeking asylum in Canada rejected

    BREAKING: SARS officer seeking asylum in Canada rejected

    A former member of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Olushola Wazzi Popoola has been rejected asylum by the government of Canada.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Canada rejected his asylum application on the grounds of rights violations in Nigeria.

    The Immigration Division [ID] of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada reviewed documentary evidence against Popoola and found that the Nigerian Police Force, and the SARS in particular, have committed crimes against humanity from 2002 to 2015.

    See Canadian Federal Court Judgement and reasons below:

    [1] Mr. Popoola is a citizen of Nigeria and a former member of the Nigerian Police Force. He was found to be inadmissible to Canada because there are reasonable grounds to believe that he engaged in crimes against humanity while serving as a police officer in Nigeria. He now seeks judicial review of his determination of inadmissibility. I am dismissing his application, because the decision-maker reasonably assessed the relevant factors for deciding whether Mr. Popoola made a knowing and significant contribution to the crimes committed by the Nigerian Police Force.

    [2] Mr. Popoola completed his training and became a member of the Nigerian Police Force in 2002. From 2002 to 2005, he was a member of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad [SARS] in Abuja. He was then transferred to the anti-robbery unit (not to be confused with the SARS) in Lagos until 2009. From 2009 to 2011, he returned to the SARS, this time in Lagos.

    [3] In 2011, following the death of his father, Mr. Popoola resigned from the Nigeria Police Force. According to his testimony, however, the Force never formally accepted his resignation and he had to continue reporting to work. From 2011, he was affected to Iju as an ordinary police officer. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015 and he left the Force the same year.

    [4] In 2016, he left Nigeria for the United States. He then came to Canada, where he claimed refugee status. His claim was suspended while his case was referred to the Immigration Division [ID] of the Immigration and Refugee Board for a determination of his inadmissibility.

    [5] On October 15, 2019, the ID found Mr. Popoola inadmissible pursuant to section 35(1)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, SC 2001, c 27 [the Act]. The ID reviewed the documentary evidence and found that the Nigerian Police Force, and the SARS in particular, have committed crimes against humanity from 2002 to 2015. This is because mistreatment and torture of police detainees is endemic in Nigeria, for a number of reasons including corruption and impunity. Extrajudicial killings are frequent. The SARS, in particular, is singled out in the documentary evidence as one of the most brutal units of the Force.

    [6] The main part of the ID’s decision is devoted to the issue of whether Mr. Popoola made a knowing and significant contribution to the SARS’s criminal activity. A finding that Mr. Popoola engaged in crimes against humanity does not require proof that he personally tortured detainees — which he denies. Rather, his contribution to the organization’s crimes must be assessed according to the test laid out by the Supreme Court of Canada in Ezokola v Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2013 SCC 40, [2013] 2 SCR 678 [Ezokola]. In this regard, the ID considered that Mr. Popoola voluntarily joined the Nigerian Police Force; that he spent five years with the SARS, a unit known for being especially brutal; that he admitted knowing about the prevalence of torture and mistreatment of detainees in the organization, although he tried to minimize its scope in his testimony; and that he resigned for personal reasons, not because he learned of human rights abuses. As to his contribution to the organization’s crimes, the ID concluded as follows:

    Since Mr. Popoola reasonably knew that when he was a member of the SARS the suspects he handed over to the criminal investigation department would be subject to human rights violations, the tribunal finds this to be a significant contribution to the criminal purpose of the organization since he had the knowledge of what could befall the individual subject to investigation.

    [7] This application for judicial review focuses on one question only: whether the ID properly applied the Ezokola test to Mr. Popoola’s situation. This Court reviews the ID’s decision on a standard of reasonableness. When performing such review, the Court does not reweigh the relevant factors; this is the ID’s role. To succeed, an applicant must show that the decision-maker made a significant error in the treatment of the evidence. It is not enough for an applicant to reiterate arguments rejected by the decision-maker.

    [8] Mr. Popoola, however, is merely asking this Court to give more weight to factors favouring him and to prefer his testimony to the documentary evidence. Thus, he insists on the fact that he intended to leave the force in 2011, but that his resignation was never accepted and that, given Nigeria’s specific context, this meant that he has to continue reporting to work. He emphasizes his relatively low rank in the organization. He argues that he spent most of his time with the Force in units other than the SARS, and that his five years with the SARS is a relatively short time. Lastly, he asserts that his contribution to the organization’s crimes was not significant.

    [9] These arguments were made before the ID. The ID rejected them and provided adequate justification. Before me, Mr. Popoola does not point to any serious mistake that would render the ID’s decision unreasonable. Moreover, according to section 33 of the Act, the ID was only required to find “reasonable grounds to believe” that Mr. Popoola contributed to crimes against humanity. In my view, the ID reasonably applied the Ezokola test to Mr. Popoola’s situation.

    [10] Lastly, Mr. Popoola argues that the ID breached procedural fairness by rejecting his testimony without providing adequate reasons. Inadequacy of reasons, however, is now integrated to substantive review: Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses’ Union v Newfoundland and Labrador (Treasury Board), 2011 SCC 62 at paragraphs 21-22, [2011] 3 SCR 708. It is not considered a matter of procedural fairness. As I mentioned above, the ID’s reasons for preferring the documentary evidence to certain aspects of Mr. Popoola’s testimony were adequate. Mr. Popoola also invokes the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières v Larocque, [1993] 1 SCR 471. That case involved a situation where an arbitrator refused to hear relevant evidence. This is quite different from the present case, where the ID heard Mr. Popoola’s testimony, weighed it, and gave more weight to documentary evidence with respect to certain issues. This is not a breach of procedural fairness.

    [11] For these reasons, Mr. Popoola’s application for judicial review will be dismissed.

  • Over 1000 sign petition asking ‘Canada to deny DJ Switch asylum’

    Over 1000 sign petition asking ‘Canada to deny DJ Switch asylum’

    More than 1000 individuals have signed a petition asking the Canadian parliament to deny DJ Switch asylum in the country.

    There have been reports that Switch is seeking asylum in Canada amid a death threat allegation by the entertainer over her involvement during the #EndSARS protest.

    The petition, initiated by Femi Fako, is titled “Refuse the Canadian Asylum application of Ms. Obianuju Udeh and her associates now!”

    According to the petitioners, denying Switch and her associates asylum in Canada would guarantee they face the “terrorist charges” pressed against them in Nigeria.

    The campaigners also accused the DJ and other #EndSARS promoters of “inciting public unrest and destruction of properties worth trillions of naira to fix.”

    “A judicial panel of inquiry has since been instituted by the Lagos State government to inquire into these unfortunate times, but Ms. UDEH and her cohorts, who are the principal parties to these crimes, choose to jet out of Nigeria, and apply for asylum on very bogus terms,” it read.

    “Reject the asylum applications now! They must come back to Nigeria to face terrorist charges. It’s a must!”.

     

  • #EndSARS: Watch as DJ Switch testifies before Canadian parliament [VIDEO]

    #EndSARS: Watch as DJ Switch testifies before Canadian parliament [VIDEO]

    Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch recently shared testimony of her first hand experience of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting with the Parliament of Canada.

    She spoke with the Sub-committee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development of the Canadian parliament.

    DJ Switch, who recently got asylum from the Canadian government, revealed how soldiers shot at peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State on October 20, 2020.

    The entertainer recounted the incident that led to the deaths of about a dozen protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.

    She noted that the military opened fire on the protesters after creating a three-formation line.

    Debunking claims by the Nigerian Army that soldiers fired blank bullets into the air, DJ Switch said the soldiers shot at them.

    She told the Canadian parliament that she counted not less than seven persons shot, adding that one of the soldiers threatened to shoot her.

    Watch video below [PRESS PLAY]:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Media/News Company (@thenewsgurung) on

  • Child-Education: Traumatized Indigent pupils opt for asylum

    Child-Education: Traumatized Indigent pupils opt for asylum

    By Carl Umegboro

    A 12-year old primary five female pupil of Karaku Primary School, in Karaku Community in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state, Zelihu Amisu, a moment ago recounted how spate of insecurity and killings in some parts of the state traumatizes her alongside other pupils, and militating against their resolve to consistently be in classrooms for learning which they now cherish.

    Apart from Zelihu and others that insist on attendingclasses against all odds, many have fled with their parents for safety to the Internally-Displaced Persons’ camp in the adjacent town, precisely Central Primary School, Kagara that metamorphosed to an IDP camp.

    UNICEF had through its GEP-3 (Girls’ Education Programme) Intervention fund, invested a sum of N1,500,000:00 (One million, five hundred thousand naira) for a standard block of classrooms and other facilities in Zelihu’s school following needs assessment and collaboration with the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) in the area. As a result, pupils’ attendance grew tremendously until heinous crimes became rampant in the state. Many of the parents had to move into the camps with their children for refuge.

    The touching aspect was how the young girl vowed to remain in school and not just only to learn for herself but would like to become a teacher in future to assist other disadvantaged children equally get educated. From her accounts, the collaboration of UNICEF and SBMC is not only unique but has added value to her as she now readsand writes unlike when she wasn’t in school. Essentially, she emphasized that the toilets provided in the school for boys and girls respectively encourage them despite the fact they sit in the classrooms in fears over ugly incidents they often hear in nearby towns.

    The greatest challenge is the fate of the pupils that are now in the IDP camps for safety with their parents. Would the pursuit of education still remain in their minds or will they go back to the streets for begging as earlier? This was emphasized by the young girl who resolved to remain in school against the odds. Of course, it must be noted that despite her high spirit to always come to school, her parents that are farmers could move into the IDP camp if the killings, kidnapping and other criminal activities remain unabated. If that eventually happened, certainly, Zelihu’s education will be interrupted.

    As many other pupils no longer come to school, perceptively, the tendency of going back to street-beggingis high. Besides, these interventions cost huge funds that demand positive end results. The modern classrooms were built for pupils and the SBMC may rarely mobilize children to the school as usual when their safety is not guaranteed. It is also logical that the SBMC or CBMC (Centre-Based Management Committee) will be affected as many of its members might relocate to IDP camps for safety. It means the authorities must brainstorm to arrest the menace.

    These massive interventions must not be allowed to become unbeneficial. The essence of the intervention funds is to promote child education in the society. The question begging for answers is; what is the state government doing to address these challenges as a stakeholder? Emphatically, the primary purpose of government is welfare and security of the people. According to William Shakespeare, “Security is the chief enemy of mortals”.

    From records, UNICEF had disbursed a total sum of N90 million covering 40 primary schools and 20 Integrated Qua’nic Schools (IQS) in Niger state to boost child education especially for girls. Visibly, a good number of SBMCs and CBMCs (for IQS) caught the vision and studiously pushing it accordingly while others still need a push to key into the needed actions. Equally, the feeding programme of the federal government has continued to boost pupils’ enrollment in primary school albeit itsfrequent interruption often result to backsliding and reduced attendance.

    Indisputably, the alarming crime rate in the country presently resulted from the neglect of the education sector for decades by prejudiced public officeholders. Today, all manner of vices thrive in the society due to gross omissions and commissions. Had child-education been accorded the priority it deserves, inarguably, the monsters terrorizing the societies these days wouldn’t have existedin such numbers. Some of the gangsters, abductors and hoodlums terrorizing the society would have possibly become professionals, technocrats, entrepreneurs, among others if they were given a good foundation though education.

    “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. This assertion by Nelson Mandela is not a fiction but statement of fact. A child that is deprived of education will likely resort to crimes for survival when all hopes are lost. And the most dangerous deprivation a child will suffer is the basic education. Higher education may be pursued and obtained as a grown-up unlike primary education. Above all, foundational education in particular inculcates morals and gives a sense of conscience.

    As Zelihu cries out as a voice of millions of indigent children in Niger state being deprived of education despite enormous supports from UNICEF in conjunction with DFID (Department for International Development)and SBMCs, government and other stakeholders must ensure that her tears do not end up as entertaining but for sober reflections to take radical actions. Possibly, federal government may have to contemplate assigning securitypersonnel to schools.

    Commendably, UNICEF and Airtel-Nigeria recently signed a Memorandum-of-Understanding to partner on U-Report; a UNICEF’s unique social media platform that empowers young people and communities with information to transform their communities and drive positive change on a wide range of issues affecting themwith urgency. By this system, everyone is involved especially the youths as now active participants, and not mere observers any longer.

    The U-Report platform gathers information on critical issues including access to education, skills development and employability, water and sanitation, health, violence against children, safety and security, and the needs of internally-displaced persons, and then process results to the office of the Vice President of Nigeria and other relevant agencies for necessary actions. This is a robust teamwork designed as civic responsibility for community development. Other organizations could key into similar adventures.

    Umegboro, a public affairs analyst and Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) undertook a field-trip to Niger State on UNICEF-Girls’ Education Programme (GEP-3) from 26 – 29th January, 2020. 08023184542 – SMS only.

  • Nigerians, third largest asylum seekers in Germany — KAS Foundation

    The Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS), a German Foundation, has revealed that Nigerians are the third largest asylum seekers in the country.

    Dr. Gerhard Wahler, Head of Department, European and International cooperation of the foundation, made this known in Abuja during the celebration of 15 years of KAS operation in Nigeria.

    Wahler explained that the lack of an enabling environment continued to make Nigerians, especially youths, seek a better life in Europe hence, embarking on illegal migration.

    He, therefore, urged the Federaal Government to boost socio-economic development and improve welfare.

    “Africa and especially Western Africa, plays a pivotal role for us in Germany; in many ways, Africa shows a lot of potential.

    “There is a new generation of entrepreneurs, digital natives and inventors that can and will shape the future of the continent.

    “On the other hand, the unprecedented population growth, the lack of economic development, increasing scarcity of land and resources, will continue to drive people away towards Europe.

    “Today, Nigerians are for example the third largest group of asylum seekers in Germany.”

    Wahler said that the prevalence of terrorist groups in the region negatively affects development in Nigeria and the African region.

    He said that the forthcoming visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Nigeria at the end of August was an important sign that Germany stands with Nigeria in countering security threats like Boko Haram.

    He said that while the challenges faced in the region were tremendous, Germany was ready to assist.