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Tag: NHRC

  • Child abandonment cases surge in Nigeria

    Child abandonment cases surge in Nigeria

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday said it recorded an upsurge in number of child abandonment cases reported to it in October.

    The senior human rights adviser to the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Mr Hilary Ogbonna, made this known at the presentation of the October Dashboard report of the commission .

    Ogbonna said that it is worrisome to know that the cases concerning children are seen to be going up with each month.

    “In October, we recorded over 1,300  cases of child abandonment. And it’s important that we understand that the violation of children’s rights may not just be child abandonment alone.

    “Yes, we always say in the commission that child abandonment is like the highest form of vulnerability a child can face. And with that comes secondary, ancillary, and tertiary human rights violations.

    “But look at child marriage. Look at harmful traditional practices. Look at also trafficking.
    Right to survival and development as enshrined in the Child Rights Act,” he lamented.

    He said the states in focus are Zamfara which recorded t70 kidnappings and  Anambra with 20 cult related killings.

    Ogbonna added that Sokoto state suffered emergence of new terrorist group named Lakawura and Jigawa 167 deaths as a result of oil explosion.

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, (SAN) expressed concern over the number of violations recorded in October.

    “In October, the commission received 427,606 complaints from its 38 offices nationwide. While this is a significant increase from previous months, it also signals an undeniable pattern of systemic human rights violations across the country.

    “One of the most notable trends this month is the widespread abuse of freedom from discrimination, which emerged as the most frequently reported violation. This disturbing trend speaks to the deep-rooted inequalities and prejudices that continue to plague our society.

    “The challenge then, is not just to acknowledge this issue but to take decisive action to dismantle these barriers and ensure equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, or status,” he said.

    The dashboard according to Ojukwu, is not merely a collection of data; it is a call to action and a powerful tool for advocacy.

    He added that each number represents the voice of a citizen, each statistic points to a broader story of rights, violations, and the urgent need for accountability.

    “Through this monthly process, we have consistently provided a comprehensive overview of human rights concerns, detailing complaints received from across the country, as well as tracked incidents of human rights violations.

    “By doing so, we aim to offer a vital resource to all those working to advance human rights in Nigeria. We have seen how our findings have not only captured the attention of stakeholders but have also triggered meaningful discussions and actions on pressing human rights issues.

    “As we continue to expand this initiative, we remain resolute in our mission to chart the way forward for Nigeria’s human rights landscape,” he said.

  • Protest: NHRC seeks thorough investigation into alleged killing of 16-year-old by soldier

    Protest: NHRC seeks thorough investigation into alleged killing of 16-year-old by soldier

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for thorough investigation into the killing of a 16-year- old boy, Isma’il Muhammad in Zaria during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

    The commission expressed deep concerns over the killing, during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN made the call while reacting to the incident that led to the killing.

    He said , it is particularly troubling given the commission’s previous Advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.

    He reiterated that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot be violated under any circumstances.

    ” The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.

    “We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable” he said.

    Ojukwu said, this is not an isolated incident, and the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.

    He therefore, urged the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations.

    ”The authorities should ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights.”

    While commiserating with the family of Isma’il Muhammad, Ojukwu said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.

    The Chief of Army Staff ( COAS,) Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has ordered for the arrest of the soldier who accidentally killed Mohammed.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a  statement explained the cause of death of the the teenager.

    He added that the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.

    NAN

  • Government agents highest offenders of human rights – NHRC

    Government agents highest offenders of human rights – NHRC

    The National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) has revealed that governments agents are the most culpable when it comes to human rights violation saying they have received 19,470 complaints of rights abuse against them in April 2024, tagging it the most.

    According to the April 2024 NHRC Human Rights Assessment Dashboard, released on Friday in Abuja, showed that 5,259 complaints of rights abuse were filed against state actors – government agents – including the police, the military and other security agencies.

    The figure is the highest number of complaints recorded against a particular group in the April dashboard.

    The dashboard equally revealed that the NHRC recorded 4,317 complaints of domestic violence in April, as well as 1,457 complaints relating to violation of children’s rights.

    NHRC also noted that a total of 2,877 complaints were received against non-state actors, while 1,063 reports were brought against private sector actors.

    Also, there were 110 complaints of violation of the right to life, and 136 complaints made by persons with disabilities.

    A further breakdown of the human rights abuse complaints received by the NHRC in April shows that the highest number of cases of abuse were recorded in the North-Central, with the North-East and North-West recording the second highest and third highest cases.

    They were followed by the South-West and the South-East.

    The South-South recorded the least number of rights abuse complaints in April 2024.

    The top 10 states with rights abuse complaints in April 2024 are Borno, Kano, Plateau, Taraba, Lagos, Kaduna, Bauchi, Osun, Abia and Rivers.

    According to the dashboard, the main violators of human rights in April 2024 – going by complaints received by the NHRC – are the Nigerian Police, parents, military, private sector actors and bandits/militia groups.

    The NHRC observed a disturbing rise in violation of children’s rights, with 491 complaints of child abandonment and 21 reports of child marriage recorded in April 2024.

    The April Human Rights Assessment Dashboard highlighted cult killings in Anambra, ethnic killings in Plateau, killings by suspected herdsmen in Nimbo community of Enugu, and double attacks with mass casualties in Kogi.

    In April 2024, according to the NHRC dashboard, mass killings were recorded in Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Plateau and Anambra.

    The dashboard highlighted the impact of cultism on human rights, noting that “Over 20 deaths were recorded in April relating to the activities of cultists in three states”.

    As a result of the development, the NHRC urged the government and security agencies to protect lives and properties, especially in educational institutions.

    The NHRC equally expressed concern over attacks on journalists and press freedom in the country.

    “Over the last 3 months, 5 journalists have been arrested and detained beyond constitutional limits,” the NHRC said, while condemning the “indiscriminate arrests and prolonged detention of Nigerians”.

    The April 2024 Human Rights Assessment Dashboard highlighted an “upsurge in human rights complaints” with mass killings continuing to rise across states.

    The NHRC equally observed that media freedom is under attack, a rise in cases of violence against children and minors, as well as killings of law enforcement agents and members of the Armed Forces.

    The NHRC, in the same vein, noted that economic reforms introduced by the government are impacting on the enjoyment of human rights.

    In an address at the presentation of the April human rights assessment dashboard, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, noted that “The monthly dashboard on the state of human rights is borne out of the necessity by the Commission to monitor, investigate and report on human rights in real time on a national scale in line with its mandate.”

    He added: “These facts, statistics and analysis of human rights violations across broad and specific thematic areas provide policy makers, international partners, law enforcement agencies, civil society actors and the media with the opportunity of gaining insights into the evolving human rights landscape in Nigeria and exploring collaborative avenues for addressing emerging challenges.

    “Beyond providing a graphical presentation of the human rights situation, the April dashboard also serves as a guide and a measurement of our progress in realizing the human rights of every Nigerian.

    “It provides information that will trigger a chain of multi-faceted actions from every arm of government in tackling insecurity, poverty and inequalities in our country.”

    Ojukwu expressed hopes that the dashboard would assist the Nigerian government in keeping track of its obligations to national, regional and international human rights instruments and mechanisms.

  • ALARMING! Nigeria records 1,580 human rights violations in March alone – NHRC

    ALARMING! Nigeria records 1,580 human rights violations in March alone – NHRC

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday, revealed that Nigeria recorded 1,580 human rights violations across the six geopolitical zones in the month of March 2024 alone.

    The rights violations included killings, kidnapping, domestic violence , abductions, children’s right among others.

    According to the Commission, North Central topped the list of the complaints of human rights violations recorded with 468 cases.

    Senior Human Rights Adviser, Mr Hilary Ogbona made this known at the National Human Rights Commission headquarters in Abuja.

    At the presentation of the findings, Ogbona explained that the police, military, and Department of State Service DSS grouped as State Actors recorded 94 rights violation cases.

    The human rights adviser who explained that the killings of the military and police personnel in Delta State formed part of the report revealed that 542 cases of violation of children’s rights were also recorded during the period.

    Besides, Ogbona explained that domestic violence which he said was becoming too rampant in some part of the country had 471 cases recorded.

    He said that the non state actor and private actors have 32 and 36 respectively while 3 cases of violation of rights were recorded against disabled people.

    According to him, other sectors including social economic and cultural rights accounted for 157 while referred cases was put at 24.

    He said that killings and kidnapping accounted for 499 while another 71 violations of rights to life were also recorded by the commission during the period.

    Ogbonna said that the 1,580 human rights violations were the entire figures recorded in the 36 states offices of the commission and Abuja.

    Expressing worry over the increasing cases of human rights violation, Ogbonna said that about 301 school children were abducted in Kaduna State alone while 40 people were killed in Benue state.

    He expressed dismay that rights to life was being violated in various ways and manner because four deaths were recorded in Nassarawa State during sharing of palliative.

    He then called for restraint on both State and Private Actors adding that reprisal attacks contributed to the recorded rights violations.

    Ogbona also appealed to police and military to always conduct their investigations in compliance with the rules of engagement and rule of laws as provided for in the national and international laws.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC , Dr Tony Ojukwu, reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

    He promised to partner with other stakeholders including government in the bid to step up efforts to protect lives and properties and in ensuring a reduction in the violation of human rights.

    The NHRC monthly dashboard aimed at making human rights situation public is supported by United Nations Development Program, Office of the United Nations High Commission for human Rights and others.

  • NHRC receives 752 complaints in Plateau in 2023

    NHRC receives 752 complaints in Plateau in 2023

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it received 752 complaints of human rights abuse in Plateau between January and November 2023

    The Coordinator of the commission in the state, Veronica Abe, disclosed this to the  on Monday in Jos.

    According to Abe, the cases ranged from unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, inhuman treatment, domestic violence to child abuse.

    Others, she said, included child abandonment, rape, denial of inheritance and forced marriage.

    “A total of 752 cases of human rights abuse were reported in Plateau between January and November 2023.

    ”Most of these cases have been treated and concluded, while some are still ongoing.

    ”1, 053 persons were affected, including 166 women and 463 children,”she added.

    The Coordinator assured that the pending cases would be addressed soon, and called on Plateau residents to report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities for prompt action

  • 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.

    According to reports, 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.

  • #ENDSARS: NHRC receives panel reports from 16 out of 29 states

    #ENDSARS: NHRC receives panel reports from 16 out of 29 states

    The National human rights Commission (NHRC) has received reports from 16 states out of 29 on the #ENDSARS panels.

    The Executive Secretary of NHRC Mr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN said this in Abuja at an event to mark three years of #ENDSARS and submission of report on the protest by Enough is Enough (EIE), a non-governmental organisation.

    The panels were set up to investigate violations of human rights by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.

    According to reports, the panel was set up by the Federal Government in Nov. 2020 under former vice president, prof Yemi Osinbajo following the “ENDSARS Protest” which was triggered by nationwide allegations of Police brutality.

    29 states set up panels at the state levels and FCT which was an Independent panel  set up by NHRC.

    Speaking at the event, Ojukwu commended EIE on their efforts at coming up with a review of the #ENDSARS protest and report.

    He recalled that compensation of over N530 million was given to victims or families of the victims as a healing process.

    ”It is a very important step taken by EIE which is to commemorate the 2020 #ENDSARS protest. It is one of the efforts to keep #ENDSARS alive.

    ”About 29 states set up state panels and NHRC automatically was made a member, a panel was also set up in Abuja as an independent Investigation panel by the Commission.

    ”Today, EIE has taken a giant step towards compiling this report. The effort gears towards police reforms and I urge the states who have not submitted their reports to do so.

    ”16 states have submitted their reports and when the remaining states do same the Commission will do the comprehensive review and report” he said.

    Speaking also, Mr Chino Obiagwu, SAN, the panel counsel during the Abuja sitting, said many lessons are there to take from the #ENDSARS protest.

    ”There are petitions which was over 6,000 mainly from the poor, calling out for justice, who later suppressed or withdraw their petitions for fear of reprisal attacks from the police.

    ”There were no lessons from the #ENDSARS protest, the Nigeria police have been emboldened, because they are not called to order .

    ”It made the citizens to loose the essence of the protest and none of the police indicted was prosecuted” he said.

    He said inquiries should be hold into human rights abuses by the police and all the indicted officers should be punished.

    ”Speaking of judgment debts against the government, the money should be taken from the budget of the department that cause the problem that attracted such debts so that the people involved can feel the liability.

    ”There should be a revamp of the syllabus in police training schools.

    ”The police service Commission, the inspector general of police and NHRC should engage the officers frequently with training on best practices ” he said.

    Similarly, Mr Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa called for an apology from the states to the victims of police brutality and the people.

    ”States should apologise to the wounded and the offended.

    ”The streets are the platform where people come out to protest but they are afraid to come out because they are not protected.

    ”Justice is not just paying compensation but goes beyond that, ” he said.

    The highlight of the event was the digital presentation of the report covered by Enough is Enough.

    The report was presented by Ms Yemi Adamolekun, executive director of EIE.

    NAN

  • 2023 elections: NHRC reveals human rights violations recorded

    2023 elections: NHRC reveals human rights violations recorded

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recorded 22 incidents of hate speeches during the just concluded general elections.

    Presenting a report to newsmen, Project Coordinator of Mobilising Voters for election (MOVE) of the NHRC, Mr Hilary Ogbonna, also noted the level of human rights violations associated with the elections.

    The project is organised in collaboration with the UN Human Rights resident in Nigeria, Ford Foundation and the  Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP ).

    The commission on Oct.17 , 2023 inaugurated the project which according to the executive Secretary, Mr Tony Ojukwu SAN, was initiated to tackle voter apathy.

    ”The NHRC has launched Investigations on hate speech committed before, during and after the elections,” he said.

    Ogbonna said human rights violations during the March 18 polls, voter suppression was recorded in Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Bayelsa.

    ”The right to freedom of association were violated in Ebonyi and Lagos, Right to Dignity of Human Personn in Lagos, Edo, Delta, Benue.

    “The right to participation was also violated in Lagos, Oyo, Rivers while voting related killings were recorded in Ebonyi, Kano, Lagos, Borno” he said.

    Ogbonna said the situation room records showed that there were two bomb attacks in Kaduna and Benue in March elections.

    He added that 75 INEC facilities were attacked and 130 unknown gunmen and bandits recorded.

    Ogbonna further said there were three reports of political intolerance and killing of six law enforcement agents.

    The presidential elections and National Assembly took place on Feb.25 while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections were held on March 18.

  • FG to create database for missing persons – ES NHRC

    FG to create database for missing persons – ES NHRC

    The Federal government of Nigeria, is making plans to create a database that would comprehensively capture the details of missing persons in the country.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, made this known at a meeting of stakeholders involved in the compilation of missing persons in Nigeria.

    The meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and NHRC.

    Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of Human Rights Institute, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama, stated that the family members of the missing persons had continued to seek answers from government on the whereabouts of their loved ones.

    Speaking on plans by government to locate such persons in the country, the NHRC boss said: “Looking inward so to say, at the NHRC, we have always played a key role in this issue because when you talk about missing persons, there are human rights issues, there are humanitarian issues and there are overlap between when you talk about missing persons.

    ” We can no longer refer to only what’s happening in the Northeast. Where is it not happening? It is happening all over the country.

    “One of the issues it throws up is the issue of displacement, issue of family separation and the issue of people not being accounted for, and no responsible government would leave this matter without addressing it

    “So, it is a matter that should be a source of concern for all of us representing one agency or the other.

    “I also believe that we will soon begin to see ourselves the role that we can play in bringing this to fruition to the extent that we will get to that stage where we will have a proper database,” he said.

    Ojukwu said that the government has done a lot to attend to do some sort of tracing to find out what is happening because when you listen to families, and it is a good strategy to invite family of these persons.

    Also speaking, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development said that the latest figures showed that out of the 64,000 disappeared persons across Africa, Nigeria recorded 25,000 missing persons including over 14,000 children.

    Farouk, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nasir Gwarzo said:”the federal government through the mandate of the Ministry shall establish a National Mechanism to raise awareness about the plight of the missing.

    “Also, the needs of their families, establish a collaborative network between and among different stakeholders where methodologies in approaching the question of missing persons and their families, will be addressed,”’Farouk said.

    She said that irregular migration by many Nigerians, including children through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and better life contributed to great risk of disappearance.

    ”To date, there is no reliable national data on the number of missing persons in Nigeria because there is no official register.

    ” Currently the country has no National structure or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the humanitarian consequences of disappearances.

    “It is very understandable why Nigeria as a country and this Ministry in charge of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is very concerned about this often-neglected and tragic humanitarian and social issue.” she said.

    According to her, the ministry will rely on the capacity of Law Enforcement Agencies to investigate cases of the missing persons to bring closure to the families of the missing.

    She said It was also important to address the root causes of the problem which often include poverty, discrimination and political instability.

    Mr Yann Bonzon, head of ICRC Nigeria Delegation, said people are left with the anguish of not knowing the fate or whereabouts of a loved one

    Bonzon said that at least 25,000 people reportedly missing in the country was likely to be a tip of the iceberg.

    According to him, behind every missing person is a family. People that are left with the anguish of not knowing the fate or whereabouts of a loved one.

    “These are the numbers of cases that have been registered with the ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society. We know that this number is likely just a tip on of the iceberg.

    “But what this number also represents is many thousands of people – thousands more than the number of people missing itself – who are impacted by that absence,” Bonzon said.

    He said that the ICRC know that no fewer than 13,000 families in Nigeria are seeking missing loved ones.

  • Human Rights Commission condemns killing of Bolanle Raheem

    Human Rights Commission condemns killing of Bolanle Raheem

    Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has condemned the killing of a female lawyer, Mrs Bolanle Raheem, by a policeman in Ajah, Lagos.

    Ojukwu made the condemnation in a statement when reacting to the unfortunate death of Raheem.

    He described the incident as ‘ regrettable’ adding that the officer had fallen short of standard operating procedure and professional ethics of the Nigerian Police Force.

    ”The hierarchy of the Nigerian Police as a matter of necessity should always ensure that officers who bear arms must, by all means be mentally balanced.

    “Also,  must respect the rules of engagement of the police force. Enough is enough of these avoidable deaths,” he said.

    Ojukwu said the commission went around the country to train police officers on human rights’ best practices and how to mainstream human rights in law enforcement operations.

    “Yet, we are still recording sad incidents of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the police officers, ” he said.

    Ojukwu commended the police high command for immediately taking necessary action to arrest and put the erring officer in custody.

    He said that the commission would continue to monitor the process of investigation and prosecution of the officer to ensure that justice was adequately served.

    The executive secretarry also used the opportunity to commiserate with the family of Bolanle Raheem, as well as the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Ojukwu said Raheem’s death came as a shock to the commission.

    ”There must be a permanent solution to check these forms of avoidable killings by the police.

    ”It is unfortunate to know that the commission has recorded several incidents of extra-judicial killings by the police.

    ”The commission will do all that is within its powers to ensure that these cases are not swept under the carpet,” he said.

    Recall that Raheem was shot by a police officer on Christmas Day in the Ajah area of Lagos. Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba had since ordered a probe of the shooting incident.