The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • ‘How friendship landed us in jail, kept us on death row for 24 years’

    ‘How friendship landed us in jail, kept us on death row for 24 years’

    His is a typical case of friendship gone awry. An only child of his mother neglected by his father in a polygamous family of four wives and 12 children, Ismaila Lasisi felt like he had struck gold when he met Alfa Ganiyu Lawal while hustling for survival. But the friendship they struck became his undoing as it literally put his life in ruins. He had no inkling of the character he had bonded with until his friend and one other named Ganiyu Semiyu approached him with an evil proposal: sacrifice a human being for money rituals. Lasisi was not comfortable with the proposal but he could not say no for fear that Lawal and Semiyu could harm him if he did not cooperate with them.

    Then then 28-year-old, now 52, did what he thought was the smart thing to do by keeping a distance with the duo, but that in itself became an offence for which they implicated him when they were arrested over the killing of a woman for money rituals. The distraught indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State narrates to TOBA ADEDEJI the extraordinary circumstances that culminated in him and his then 30 but now 54-year-old innocent friend, Lukman Adeyemi, who merely accompanied him to the police station when they learnt that the police were looking for him, languishing in jail and awaiting execution for 24 years before a charity organization, the Centre for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR) founded by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, intervened in his matter and secured his release on June 14.

    “It was on the day we were released that rain fell on me for the first time in 24 years. I saw the beautiful moon and the sunshine again and I cherished them. June 14, 2024 is a day I will never forget in my life,” he said. Excerpt:

    What is your name and whatwas your childhood like?

    I am Ismaila Lasisi, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State. My mother hailed from Shaki in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State. I am the only son of my mother in a polygamous family of 12 children from four women. When I was seven, my mother left me with my father and later remarried before she died.

    Growing up in a polygamous household, I lacked the needed support due to neglect from my father. So I turned to trading, dealing in pepper and raw beans in Ifo, Ogun State. It was there that I became friends with one Alfa Ganiyu Lawal and we became close. I often spent weekends with him and Ganiyu Semiyu, his friend with whom he shared the same name.

    Over time, I developed an interest in bricklaying and eventually moved in with them. Seeking companionship as a lonely individual, I found comfort in their company. My friendship with Alfa Ganiyu had lasted about six months before the unfortunate incident.

    What actually happened?

    In February 2000, Semiyu came up with the idea that we should engage in money-making ritual. He also said they had found someone who could help them in this venture. He was the first to bring up the topic of ritual money to me. I felt uneasy with the idea, but I pretended that everything was fine.

    Subsequently, we took an oath to keep it a secret. They asked me to contribute money for the ritual, and at that moment, I realised I was in the wrong company. I asked who was going to be used as sacrifice for the ritual and they responded that that had not been determined yet. Various thoughts began to trouble my mind, and I asked myself what if they decided to use me as the sacrifice? Who would come looking for me without any sibling, parent or mother who knew my whereabouts? I felt lost and considered abandoning the friendship.

    Did you?

    Yes. In March 2000, a situation arose where one of Ganiyu’s girlfriends stole money from their place, and I was wrongly accused of stealing it. A heated argument ensued and I decided to seek refuge elsewhere. Along the way, I met Lukman Adeyemi and asked him to help accommodate me until I could find my own place. I informed him about the conflict I had with the people I was living with but I did not disclose their plan for money rituals. I had known him through a childhood friend named Ismaila with whom I had grown up in Shaki, my mother’s hometown.

    He welcomed me into his home, and since March 2000, I was been living peacefully with him and we worked together as bricklayers until August 27, 2000.

    So when were you arrested and why?

    On August 27, 2000, at about 7:00 pm, on returning from work, we were informed by a co-tenant that the police came looking for me. I immediately went to the police station and Lukman accompanied me to the place. On getting there, we were told that the police officer who had come looking for me was not around, and I was asked to come back the following day.

    The next morning, we both went to the police station and surprisingly, we were detained. I had no clue of the unfolding events or why they were looking for me. When the SARS officers, led by one Bashiru and Agboola, arrived and identified me as the Ismaila Lasisi they were looking for, they descended on us like hungry tigers and subjected us to severe beating.

    The following day, we were transferred to Eleweran Police Station in Abeokuta, where I was confronted by Ganiyu and Semiyu, who accused me of being involved in the murder of a woman they committed for the ritual. I was shocked and rendered speechless. The SARS police again subjected me and Lukman to brutal treatment. I was hung in a torture room for hours and I had to endure unimaginable pains. My nerves were like they were going to cut. It was the worst day of my life. It was a day sweat mingled with blood.

    The physical and emotional torture left me deformed and I lay on the ground for nearly five days before I could regain consciousness. Lukman and I were arrested on August 28 while Ganiyu and Semiyu were apprehended on July 20. We were remanded in prison on Friday, September 29, 2000. It took nearly two years for me and Lukman to have a conversation with Ganiyu and Semiyu to understand why we were falsely implicated in the case, because we were not held in the same cell.

    And what did they say was their reason(s) for implicating you?

    They said they felt I was the one who divulged the information to the police because I was the only one they had told about the mission. They also said they believed I must have told Lukman about it. I yelled at them and reminded that they did not even have a victim yet at the time they proposed the idea to me. How then would I know that you had committed the crime? I had heard the rumour about a missing woman, but I never knew the woman who was declared missing and it never occurred to me that they were connected with the missing woman. I had left the company of Ganiyu since March while the woman was declared missing in July. The arrest of Lukman and myself was on 28th August. I never knew anything about the woman, and it never occurred to me that her death could be linked to Ganiyu and Semiyu.

    Ganiyu became the Alfa while in prison as he became the leading imam of the inmates at a time. I forgave them completely. I used to guide Alfa Ganiyu to the mosque because he became blind in prison and we became friends again. Despite all the torture I received from the SARS Police, it is belated to say I have forgiven them as one of them, Bashiru, has died. He was supposed to come as a witness in this case, and I was shocked when Adeagbo told the court of his death.

    Did your parents pay you any visit while you were in prison?

    I sent for my father to come and see me but he refused. My mother came twice to see me before I later learnt that she had passed away. I strongly believe that she died because of my predicament. How would you feel if you had only one child and that child is in prison? Can you survive the agony? I felt so bad at times and asked myself why my father brought me into this world when he knew he had no resources to cater for me.

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    While in prison, I forgave myself and my father. I forgave Ganiyu and Semiyu. At one point, I was sending money to my father from prison through the welfare officer, and he used to pray for me on the phone, telling me that I would survive it. I cried and cried when I heard the bad news of my father’s death. My father had 12 children from four women.

    What was the intervention that came for for your release?

    It was a ray of hope shining on us the day the Deputy Superintendent of Correctional (DSC) Alhaji AbdulHakeem Awesu, the welfare officer of Ibara Correctional, linked us with the founder of the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi on the phone to explain ourselves to him. Like play, the man came to see us in Abeokuta in July, 2023 and we explained everything to him. The real perpetrators of the crime who had implicated us also begged him to try and look for ways to exonerate us. We all put our appeal to the Governor of Ogun State into writing through the organisation and we sent it to his office.

    The truth is many people had come to listen to our story but we never saw them again. We had written several letters to the governor through the welfare department without results. But when Pastor Olujobi and his team came to us, they promised to take a step. We had been hearing about how CJMR had helped many inmates on death row but we never gave it a thought to approach them until when the welfare department helped to link us with them.

    How would you describe your experience on death row?

    On the first day I entered the death row cell, it was pitch black. I could not see anyone for about one hour, but they could see me. One of the inmates stood up and guided me to my designated spot. It was tormented daily, but I tried to stay positive. When it was night, they asked about the events that led to my conviction.

    After nine years of awaiting trial, all hope seemed lost. For a whole week, I could not eat. Not because I was fasting but because hunger seemed to have disappeared. It took nearly six months before I could adjust to life on death row. The death row is a different world, where you spend your days in darkness. In our cell, there were seven of us crammed into a very small space. One of the inmates who welcomed me was one Sunday, also known as Sunday Chicken. Over the years, some of the people I met were released while others passed away due to illness.

    During my 15 years on death row, there were no executions. We heard rumours about the government considering revisiting executions, which would send panic through us. The tension peaked when Oshiomole executed some inmates in Edo State, but the rumour eventually faded and the tension dissipated. Despite the uncertainty, we all on the death row remained cooperative with the prison authorities.

    Throughout my time in prison, I held onto hope until the day the prison doors finally opened for me. The daily advice and sermons from both Muslim and Christian leaders helped me to stay strong. It was on the day we were released that rain fell on me for the first time. I also saw sunshine and the beautiful moon for the first time. It is a day I will never forget in my life

    How did they receive you at home?

    Upon regaining my freedom, my immediate desire was to return home. I travelled to Mowe to celebrate Sallah with my younger brother, who is an Imam. Following the festivities, we journeyed to my hometown in Abeokuta the next Monday. My unexpected arrival at the family house elicited mixed reactions, with some displaying evident displeasure.

    As I recounted my story of innocence, one of my younger sisters accused me of lying, claiming she had heard about the incident at the time it occurred and knew the truth. It became clear that not everyone believed I was innocent. Realising that there was no future for me in my father’s house, I returned to the Centre for Justice, Mercy and Reconciliation. I am grateful to Pastor Olujobi for foreseeing the potential challenges at home and offering me a welcoming return if needed.

    What is your next plan?

    My aspiration is to resume buying and selling. I aim to settle down, rent a house, marry a virtuous woman, raise children and contribute to societal development. With no parents, Pastor and the CJMR have become my pillars of support. During my time in prison, I acquired skills in cloth tie and dye and graduated from a Quranic school. I attribute my journey to the complete mercy I have received from God. I commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for the remarkable transformation of the state, evident in the improved infrastructure such as expressways, street lights, and pedestrian bridges.

    Why their release could not be secured for 24 years – CJMR founder

    The founder of Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), Hezekiah Olujobi, speaks with TOBA ADEDEJI.

    HOW did you get to know about the predicaments of Ismaila Lasisi and Lukman Adeyemi?

    Our attention was drawn to their complaints and claim of innocence by the Welfare Officer DSC Awesu, who invited us to come and help them, assuring us on their innocence and the efforts made through the legal process without justice. We went down to Ibara Custodial Centre, Abeokuta to hear from them.

    The two perpetrators of the crime confided in us that they were actually the ones who committed the crime and that the other two were totally innocent of the crime. We obtained their judgments from the trial court to the Supreme Court for review, and we noticed that the presentation of the state before the appellate court could never allow the court to shift ground.

    Each of them filed separate appeals to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court. We realised that none of the lawyers explored the way of arrest of each person in this case. This is what the lawyer at the trial court should have done, but very unfortunately, he couldn’t. Failure of the perpetrators to clear them of the innocence of the crime could not have helped them at that time.

    Was that your first intervention in such cases?

    The case of Ismaila Lasisi and Lukman Adeyemi was not the first victory. CJMR has helped more than 20 people to secure their freedom from wrongful conviction. This particular case makes it the 22nd.

    Police evidence is considered sacred before the temple of justice but very unfortunate not all police evidence before the court is true and reliable. Some of them tell lies. Our judges are not perfect. They also have their flaws. That is why there is room for appeal.

    What challenges did you face during your humanitarian service?

    Our major concern now is how to make the future of this individual possible and how to make justice available to others who are still crying persistently on the claim of innocence of the crime they are suffering from.

    Funding is key. That is why I am urging Nigerians to support us through the following Zenith Bank account number: 1012189729. I can be reached via 08030488093. The gesture will make victory possible for others in Lasisi and Adeyemi’s conditions.

  • How we can tackle maritime security, by expert

    How we can tackle maritime security, by expert

    Maritime security remains a concern for global trade and transportation and must be tackled critically, says Uche Mba, a maritime professional.

    Mba, who has close to two decades of experience, opined that the integration of electronic navigation aids has significantly advanced the safety and security of maritime operations.

    These technological tools, according to her, provide real-time data, improve situational awareness, and enhance decision-making capabilities.

    “In today’s maritime landscape, electronic navigation aids play a vital role in averting security issues,” Mba said.

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    Mbah has over a decade of experience as a maritime professional, and has managed maritime security vessels; safety training has led to the use of electronic navigation aids in maritime operations.

    She went further to share critical ways electronic navigation aids can help avert maritime security issues.

    She said, “The Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracks vessels in real-time, detecting suspicious behavior and enhancing search and rescue operations.

    “Radar systems identify small craft and low-profile threats, while Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) ensure safe route planning and hazard detection.”

    Shedding light on the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), she noted,

    “This provides global vessel tracking, supporting anti-piracy efforts and maritime domain awareness.

    Surveillance and reconnaissance drones offer extended surveillance capabilities, monitoring remote areas and supporting interdiction operations

  • Exposing the illicit operations of private jets

    Exposing the illicit operations of private jets

    Last week’s suspension of the Permit for Non-commercial Flights (PNCF) of 10 private jet operators by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over flagrant disregard for regulatory compliance has exposed the abuse in the air transport sector. Amid accusations of engagement in illegal, illicit and other unauthorised activities, private jet operations are becoming a threat to national security, requiring drastic steps to checkmate the infraction, writes KELVIN OSA- OKUNBOR

    The activities of private jet operations as the luxury arm of Nigeria’s air transport value chain is increasingly coming under focus as the Federal Government moves to cleanse the sector from recurring infractions.

    To nib such infractions, the government is rolling out a raft of measures to whip operators in the eco-space in line with stringent regulations as contained in the prescribed standards, procedures and recommended practices of both local and international regulators.

    Part of the new regulations rolled out by the Federal Government is a re- certification exercise recently conducted by the apex civil aviation regulator – Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    In the past few years, investigations reveal that the number of aircraft registered in the country by the NCAA has been on the rise.

    According to regulatory data, the number of aircraft registered in the country increased from 175 to 358 between 2015 and 2023.

    However, it is unclear what the current number as the  NCAA and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), have been closing ranks to arrive at a database  of private jets operating in the country.

    Experts say a cloud of uncertainty surrounds the ownership/identity of most of the private jets flying in the Nigerian airspace.

    While some of the jets were bought for private use, recent reports indicate that some of the jets have veered off their scope of operations allegedly engaging in hire serves for reward.Such practice runs contrary to the regulations of the NCAA.

    Jets involved in charter services by the NCAA regulation ought to remit five per cent of the revenue it earns as ticket sales charge to the authority.

    Although a few high net worth individuals and organisations allegedly own these jets, documents at the regulatory authority poves otherwise.

    A source hinted that these individuals acquire these equipment and hand it over to companies to manage it on their behalf.

    Sources also hinted that some players in the sector have been pushing for fractional ownership, a trend that is gaining traction among the financial institutions.

    Although a directorate of General Aviation has been created at the NCAA to cater to the burgeoning value chain of private jets dotting airports and other aerodrome facilities at the country, their operations have remained largely opaque.

     Over the years, the NCAA has called on the owners and managers of these jets to comply with regulatory provisions, in terms of the scope of their operations, the operators have instead chosen to operate in silos.

    The Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, six months ago, said all private jets operating as charter operators will have their licences revoked.

     He expressed concern over the illicit activities of illegal private jet operators in the country, and said if private jets want to operate as commercial or charter operators, they should apply for the commercial licences.

    But, matters got to a head at the weekend, as the regulatory authority’s sledge hammer fell on the non-complying operators.

    Pointedly, the NCAA suspended the Permit for Non-commercial Flights (PNCF) of 10 private jet operators for their flagrant disregard of the rule requiring them to undergo re-evaluation.

    The NCAA said the exercise has since April 19, 2024 been concluded.

     NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu listed the erring operators to include: Azikel Dredging Nigeria Limited, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Limited, Matrix Energy Limited, Marietta Management Services Limited, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Limited, Aero Lead Limited, Sky Bird Air Limited and Ezuma Jets Limited.

    The NCAA warned that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes.

    This is even as the regulator said it will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty.

    To drive this, Achimugu said NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward, which is described in aviation parlance as commercial operation on charter.”

    Prior to the decisive move, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo had accused some private jet owners of using their aircraft for money laundering and drug trafficking.

    Keyamo said this during the inauguration of a ministerial task force committee on illegal private chartered operations and related matters in Abuja.

    The minister said he had set a five-point agenda that would guide him and his team in discharging the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he assumed office.

    He said the five-point agenda encapsulates safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development and revenue generation.

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    Accordingly, he said the ministry has identified issues within the aviation industry “that we must tackle headlong.”

    “It has come to my attention, through a series of disturbing reports that the practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, thereby undermining the efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other regulatory bodies.

    “These illicit activities have not only resulted in significant financial losses to the Federal Government but have also raised security and safety concerns as the operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated,” he said.

    This, Keyamo said, has also resulted in using private aircraft for other illegal activities.

    “Last week, the National Security Adviser wrote to us, alerting us of the spike in money laundering, drug trafficking and other illegal activities through the use of private aircraft in the country.

    “It appears that Private Non-commercial Flight (PNCF) operators have become increasingly emboldened, continuing their illegal operations with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who collect tolls and list these illegal charters under their AOCs.

    “We have received alarming reports that some crew members have not attended mandatory simulator training for nearly three years and are flying with fraudulently-obtained renewed licenses.

    “Many of these individuals are operating planes registered under PNCF but are conducting illegal charter operations with impunity,” he said.

    To combat the illegal operators, the minister announced the immediate composition of a ministerial task force on illegal private charter operations and related matters.

    He said some of the responsibilities of the task force include taking “inventory of all permits for non-commercial flights (PNCF) holders and air operator certificate (AOC) holders, to determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country despite regulatory controls.”

    The task force, according to the minister, was also created to “call in all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country and determine their authenticity and validity, and to recommend to the minister any additional measures to be taken by regulatory agencies to stem this ugly tide.”

    He said the committee is expected to recommend appropriate penalties to be imposed by the regulatory agencies on defaulters and additional measures to monitor private aircraft operations in Nigeria.

    The minister added that the members of the task force have been carefully selected from within the aviation industry and are people of high repute and integrity.

    He named Ado Sanusi as chairman of the committee, Roland Iyayi as Vice-Chairman, and acting director of air transport, aviation ministry as secretary.

    Other members of the committee, he said, include Theresa Babayo, director of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Olayinka Oyesola, commander of the presidential air fleet; Daniel Quansah; Patrick Ogunlowo; and Obafemi Bajomo, Keyamo’s special assistant (SA).

    Only recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said 30 out of 65 verified private jet owners are liable to pay required agency duties to the Federal Government.

    Joseph Attah, NCS Public Relations Officer (PRO), made the disclosure in Abuja.

    Customs had commenced verification for private aircraft owners in June due to rising insecurity in Nigeria.

    Attah said some of these private jets came into the country by the temporary importation agreement.

    He said the agreement allows them to bring the planes without duty payment because it was secured by a bond.

    According to him, many of them failed to turn up to pay on the expiration of the agreement which necessitated the verification exercise.

    He said the exercise would allow more revenue to accrue to the federal government because those who failed to adhere to the agreement would be made to pay the duties.

    The Customs PRO also said the verification exercise has been extended again by another 14 days, which began on July 26 and ends on August 6, 2024.

    “Considering the rising number of compliance and the number of jets that are liable for payment of duties as well as indications by those people to do so, the comptroller-general has again graciously given them another two weeks.

    “The exercise, as I stated in our previous briefings, is not intended to be punitive or to embarrass them but to ensure that these private jets that operate in the country are properly documented.

    “It is also to ensure that all revenue is collected into the coffers of the Federal Government,” he said.

    Attah said the exercise has created an opportunity for the NCS to differentiate those planes on commercial operations from those owned and used for private purposes.

    He reiterated that whoever fails to turn up for the exercise will have his/her aircraft impounded, adding that the verification extension (deadline) will be the last.

    Also recently, the Federal Government grounded a United States-registered Gulfstream G650ER jet owned by a leading Nigerian bank due to unpaid import duties amounting to an estimated N1.9 billion.

    The action marks the beginning of the government crackdown on private jet owners who have not paid the required import duties, which collectively run into several billions of naira.

    This development follows the NCS’s initiation of a one-month verification exercise for private jet owners in Nigeria, which commenced on June 19, 2024, and will conclude on July 19, 2024.

    The exercise aims at identifying and addressing cases of aircraft illegally imported into the country without the payment of import duties.

    During a similar exercise in 2019, the NCS recovered approximately N2 billion for the government.

    This year, at least 80 private jet owners are required to present their import documents and aircraft certificates of registration to Customs officials in Abuja.

    Although the grounding of non-compliant private jets is scheduled to start after the verification period, some operators’ attempts to export their aircraft to evade the exercise have prompted the NCS to begin immediate clampdowns.

    Reports indicate that several operators of foreign-registered private jets have been temporarily flying their aircraft out of Nigeria to avoid scrutiny.

    In the light of these developments, the NCS has taken pre-emptive measures by writing to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, requesting the cancellation of flight clearance approvals for the non-compliant private aircraft, including the luxury Gulfstream G650ER grounded at Lagos airport.

    Experts in the Nigerian aviation industry have accused private jet operators of converting their private jet to chartered services, thereby violating Section 18.2.4.3 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015.

    This follows the indictment of Flints Aero Services Ltd, a private jet company by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in its report on the crash some months ago.

    A preliminary report released by NSIB had indicted Flints Aero Services Limited, the airline that flew Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, one of the ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet from Abuja to Ibadan Airport of violating the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued to it by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    According to him, the NCAA needed to up its surveillance on the private jet operators, insisting that some of them engage in hire and reward against the license issued to them.

    Mshelia stated that chartered operators pay NCAA five percent  of their Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and other taxes required of them, but private operators evade this payment.

    He insisted that it was an illegal conduct, which must be checked by the NCAA.

    He said: “People with AOCs will get your bill at the end of the day and you pay it over time and this goes to government coffers. However, these are totally off the radar of taxes and when last I checked tax evasion is still a crime.

    “Why will someone be operating and collecting money and not remitting the required five per cent?”

    Mr. Chris Amokwu, an aviation analyst, also claimed that some of the private jet operators fly as much as three to four times to different destinations within the country doing charter, despite claiming to be a private jet operator.

    Like Mshelia, Amokwu said this is against the civil aviation rule on hire and reward and wanted the NCAA to beam its searchlight on the activities of some of the private jet operators.

    “They get a PNCF and someone flies this aircraft to Lagos three to four times a day. I’ve made this presentation to the CAA before.

    “If you are doing your surveillance properly, how does someone who has a private operator license go to Lagos three, four times daily? He takes off in the morning and flies all over Nigeria daily, you should suspect him,” he said.

    He challenged the NCAA to begin to ground the operations of any private jet that engages in such an act, maintaining that this could be easily detected by the apex regulatory body in the industry.

    Flints Aero Services Limited was issued the non-commercial certificate, which indicated that it cannot airlift passengers for commercial purposes.

    But the airline went ahead to operate a chartered operation, which meant that it charged the minister and his team some amount of money to airlift them from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja to Ibadan Airport.

    Adelabu and nine others, including two cockpit crew and one cabin crew, had, on November 3, 2023, about 10:00 p.m., involved in an air incident at Ibadan Airport where it had crash-landed into the bush.

  • How Boko Haram killed my son, two brothers — Gwoza resident who survived three attacks by deadly sect    

    How Boko Haram killed my son, two brothers — Gwoza resident who survived three attacks by deadly sect    

    • Says group brainwashed his wife

    A resident of Gwoza, Borno State, where a Boko Haram female suicide bomber recently killed no fewer than 32 persons and injured many others at a wedding, shared his heartrending travails when the terrorists struck in the community a few years earlier with the Head of Investigation, KUNLE AKINRINADE, who met him last month at a camp for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Girei part of Adamawa State. 

    Jugule Ahmed’s life has not been the same since Boko Haram insurgents struck in his village, Bulawaziri in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. On that fateful day, his life as a thriving farmer and most sought after community leader took a pathetic turn as the insurgents unleashed deadly attacks on the villages in Gwoza, killing and kidnapping people, and destroying properties and farm produce.

    In the heat of the attack, Ahmed ran as fast as he could into the forest. He walked many kilometres before finding his way into Madagali, an Adamawa community that shares a border with Borno State.

    “The attack occurred in January 2014. It was a moment of hell. The Boko Haram people rode on motorcycles into our community in a Gestapo manner and unleashed terror on us.

    “I ran for my dear life and fled into the forest from where I found my way into Madagali community in Adamawa State,” he recalled.’

    While he escaped from the scene of terror by divine grace, he could not save his family as the rampaging terrorists kidnapped his wife, Tuma Ahmed, and two children. They also killed one of his sons and his two younger brothers, and destroyed his home, cattle and farm produce.

    He said: “My nine-year-old boy, Abdullahi, was killed by the terrorists for exposing them when Nigerian troops launched a counter-attack on the insurgents.

    “What happened was that when the soldiers came to our village to neutralise the terrorists, many of them hid in houses and makeshift structures. The soldiers asked my little son for the whereabouts of the terrorists and he innocently pointed to the place where they were hiding.

    “The soldiers arrested some of the terrorists and killed others in an exchange of gunfire while my nine-year-old son, Abdullahi, was rescued by one of the soldiers, who took him to their operational base in Bama to live with him.

    “However, the terrorists regrouped some days later, attacked the troops at Bama and freed their members that were held there.

    “It was during the attack, that some of the terrorists saw my son and identified him as the boy who gave them out to the soldiers. They shot him dead alongside the soldier that had rescued him.”

    Six months later, while the 56-year-old farmer was still heaving a sigh of relief, thanking God for his miraculous escape from the attacks and settling down to the life of a refugee farmer at Madagali, the terrorists again struck in June 2014. He ran from Madagali to Mubi and later fled to Girei when Mubi also came under heavy attack by the insurgents.

    Ahmed reckoned that he lost 12 bags of grains (guinea corn), seven cows and the sum of N100,000 which the terrorists took from his home after he fled the community.

    He said: “I was just settling down into a new life in Madagali where I took to farming when the Boko Haram people attacked the town six months after and abducted my wife and two children.

    “When I was running away from the terrorists, who were armed with guns, I did not think of anything other than to save my life first that moment.

    “I later learnt that my wife and three children were abducted by the terrorists from where they were hiding and my two brothers were also killed by the terrorists during the attack.

    “Out of the three buildings I have in my village, only one is remaining because the other buildings were razed by the terrorists.

    “I fled to Mubi town, and not quite long after, the terrorists attacked Mubi and I escaped to Girei where I am currently living at Anguwankare Damare Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs).”

    Two years after the attacks, Ahmed was reunited with his children and wife when they were freed from the den of the terrorists following a military operation. While the reunion ought to have brought him joy, it rather unsettled him, leading to a permanent separation with his wife.

    According to him, his wife had been indoctrinated into the religious ideology of the terrorist group while the eldest of his children had also been radicalised by the insurgents.

    He said: “I was very happy when I heard that my wife and children had been released after troops stormed the base of the terrorists and neutralised them.

    “I was happy because my wife and I had been married for 20 years before she was abducted by the insurgents.

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    “Unfortunately, my wife had developed a sectarian Islamic belief, having been indoctrinated by Boko Haram, while one of my children had also been radicalized by the group.

    “To worsen matters, my wife came back to my village, Gwoza, with two additional children she had for two different Boko Haram commanders.

    “I learnt that the first Boko Haram man she was given to as wife was killed by soldiers during a military operation while the second Boko Haram member she married also died during a shootout with troops.

    “I had no choice but to part ways with her because her religious belief no longer aligns with mine.

    “As for my radicalised son, I had a tough time changing his polluted mind. But I thank God that the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) helped me to successfully deradicalize the boy. He and his sibling now live in the village.

    “But I have since married another woman who is also a displaced person. We both ran away from Boko Haram attacks and we got married about four years ago. We have two children together, a boy and a girl.”

    Life at the IDP camp however gives Ahmed concerns. The living condition there, he said, is below standard and poses both environmental and health challenges to him and other refugees.

    “Although we have water and healthcare facilities here, there is no place like home.

    “Life in this IDP camp is nightmarish. We are constantly exposed to rain because many of the camp tents are torn and several other makeshift structures are dilapidated and shambolic.

    “As I speak with you, the floors of the camp tents are termite-infested and there is intense heat inside which exposes us to environmental and health risks.

    “This is one of the reasons our village head, Bulama Ramadan Gwada, who also came to this camp, returned to Gwoza, because he could not cope with life here.”

    Ahmed, who is the leader of the Borno refugees at the IDP camp, said he has since taken to farming on land rented from residents of the community, noting that the land was not enough for farming on a large scale like he did at his village in Gwoza.

    “I have no other occupation than farming and cattle rearing, and that is what I have been doing since I came to this place,” he said.

    “Many people here are also into farming because that is what we know how to do best in our village. But we don’t have enough land to farm here, so we depend on rented land for farming.

    ”We are also battling lack of funds as farmers hence we depend on rented lands to continue our farming activities here even at a huge cost.

    “As for me, I cannot risk going back to Gwoza, because the Boko Haram terrorists are still prowling the environs, and there is nothing we can do to change it except calling on authorities and humanitarian agencies to help us.

    “We have got interventions from some organisations like ICRC and others, but we still need more interventions to make life meaningful for us at this camp.”

    Speaking on his leadership role at the IDP centre, Ahmed explained that the position was a calling.

    “I agree to become the chairman of this IDP camp refugees because I see it as a calling having served as a community leader while I was in my village in Gwoza.

    Others speak about life at the camp

    Also sharing her plight, Madam Tina John, an indigene of Goshi village, said she was lucky to have escaped with her only daughter from Gwoza when the Boko Haram terrorists struck.

    She said: “I was lucky to have escaped when Boko Haram attacked my village, Goshi in Gwoza. I escaped with my 19-year-old daughter to Cameroun from where I subsequently went to Mubi.

    “Sadly, a couple, who were my neighbours in the village, were killed by the terrorists.

    “However, the Boko Haram members attacked Mubi, forcing me to relocate to this IDP camp at Girei.

    “While some of my displaced relatives have since returned to Goshi, I have not returned home because I am not sure that the marauding Boko Haram insurgents are no longer around Gwoza.”

    The Camp Manager of United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Murtala Bawa, said there was need for urgent intervention at the IDP camp.

    “This IDP Camp is an informal one and is being funded by non-governmental organisations and development agencies who provide basic amenities for the displaced persons living there.

    “The camp is currently witnessing dilapidated structures like leaking tents and poor floor, which could trigger health issues among dwellers. Hence, there is a need for the provision of shelter facilities for the people at the camp and empowerment to make them productive especially in farming, given their dexterity in agriculture.”

  • Scaling up AMR mitigation campaign to save livestock sector

    Scaling up AMR mitigation campaign to save livestock sector

    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a persistent global health concern that adversely impacts multiple sectors, including agriculture. The crisis is significant, as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates a potential annual loss of $3.4 trillion from the global gross domestic product (GDP). The financial impact is alarming and has the potential to push millions into extreme poverty. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has also emphasised the various consequences of AMR such as decreased food production, concerns regarding food safety, economic losses for farmers and environmental contamination, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major issue in global health which affects various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and the environment.  Farmers employ antibiotics to manage, prevent and combat animal diseases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of their livestock and operations.

    Nevertheless, there is apprehension about the potential impact of regular antibiotic use in livestock on the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, which could adversely affect human and animal well-being.

    Numerous studies have shed light on the prevailing trends and behaviours of livestock farmers in terms of the use of antibiotics.The studies have revealed that many farmers do not seek professional guidance from veterinarians for disease management and antibiotic use. Instead, they tend to disregard instructions on correct dosage, hoard leftover antibiotics and even share them with others who seek advice from non-veterinarian sources. Unfortunately, such practices significantly elevate the risk of AMR.

    Currently, a considerable number of farmers view self-medication as a more cost-effective alternative to consulting a veterinarian, indicating a financial obstacle to obtaining proper veterinary care.

    In Africa, where population density is often high and agricultural practices intensive, the challenges posed by AMR are particularly profound. The use of antimicrobials in livestock farming, aquaculture, and crop production contributes to the emergence and dissemination of resistant microbes.

    For instance, the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in animal husbandry can lead to the development of resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through the food chain or environmental contamination.

    The Coordinator of the Economics Trade and Marketing Unit/Food Safety Officer of African Union Inter-Africa Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), John Oppong-Otoo highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing antimicrobial resistance.

    “The rise of antimicrobial resistance complicates the treatment of infections in human and veterinary medicine; leading to much time spent in hospitals, increased mortality rates and higher healthcare costs.

    In countries that have limited resources and healthcare infrastructure, the burden of AMR can be challenging to manage.

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    “Furthermore, the environmental dimension of AMR cannot be overlooked. The discharge of antimicrobial residues from agricultural runoff, pharmaceutical manufacturing and improper disposal of unused medications can contribute to the spread of resistance genes in soil, water, and air, impacting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating the problem,” he said.

    The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other African Union (AU) Agencies have recognised AMR as an urgent issue on the Continent. It is estimated that over two billion people in Africa, especially those in the agricultural industry, could be driven into extreme poverty as a result of the AMR threat. They emphasised that the spread of resistant bacteria does not respect borders and can present substantial risks to public health, food security and economic stability across the Continent.

    Nevertheless, they argued that the existing national frameworks are insufficient in combating the threat of AMR. Both organisations are warning that a failure to adequately control the threat could lead to catastrophic consequences for individuals and the economy.

    With data from various regions of Africa showing that marginalised communities are experiencing the adverse effects of pollution on agricultural lands, the AU has cautioned that lack of prompt interventions could result in severe repercussions for livestock production and food security.

    The issue of rising impact of AMR is, undoubtedly, increasing worldwide, including Nigeria; encountering difficulties that are worsened by various socio-economic factors.

    According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Nigeria and other low and middle-income countries are projected to suffer the most negative impact from AMR, potentially resulting in a loss of up to $100 trillion of global gross domestic product by 2050.

    In the North, small-scale farmers are facing the detrimental effects of AMR, including animal-borne diseases which severely hurt the economy, the ecosystem and livelihoods in farming communities.

    Overall, AMR is a threat to healthy and sustainable food systems, future economic growth and global public health, according to the Africa CDC and  AU-IBAR teams of the African Union (AU).  Both organisations   have called for bold action to prevent serious consequences associated with the spread of AMR.

    Ahead of the global leaders’ discussions at the High-level meeting on AMR of the United Nations General Assembly in September this year, it is critical to highlight the AMR progress. In 2020, African Heads of State and Governments demonstrated the highest political commitment toward addressing this issue by the Assembly/AU/Decl.3 (XXXIII) Declaration on African Common Position on Antimicrobial Resistance and further highlighting the political commitment of African countries to align their efforts and priorities in combating the effects of AMR.

    Since then, AMR has received increased attention at the national and regional levels in Africa. Member states were encouraged to allocate financial resources for interventions and provide training for personnel towards effectively preventing and managing AMR as reflected in revised-cost NAPs.

    Over the past several months, the Africa CDC and AU-IBAR have been actively developing a landmark report of African priorities and outcomes for AMR, ahead of a High-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to be convened by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September.

    The meeting is crucial because it presents an important opportunity for world leaders to collectively address the looming threat that AMR poses to global health, food security and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

    Already, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has unveiled a 10-year strategy to reduce the need for antimicrobials on farms.  This is in a bid to address the challenges posed by AMR in the agricultural sector.

    AU is currently engaged in consultation meetings with experts from various sectors to develop a robust response strategy following the One Health approach. The experts prioritised areas to address AMR based on feasibility and impact potential.

    The highest priority identified is mobilising funding and technical assistance for NAPs, followed by governance, coordination and clear ownership of AMR initiatives.

    Promoting the One Health approach by integrating AMR into broader agendas is ranked third, while creating equitable financing opportunities is the final priority. A recent expert dialogue workshop held in May this year discussed these findings.

    The forum was led by One Health Unit Lead, Africa CDC, Dr Yewande Alimi; Chairman of Nigeria Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination Committee and Infection Prevention and Control Programme Coordinator at Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Tochi Okwor and Executive Director, ReAct Africa, Dr Mirfin Mpundu.

    AMR experts across several countries discussed three crucial themes aimed at addressing the persistent issue of AMR in Africa. These include tackling AMR drivers, enhancing evidence and reporting methods and mobilising resources effectively.

    The meeting was aimed at achieving key objectives such as sharing planned outcomes for the AMR High-level meeting at UNGA, identifying major challenges, brainstorming actionable solutions and advancing the AMR agenda for Africa. Emphasis was placed on governance, coordination and promotion of the One Health approach to effectively combat AMR. The participants at the workshop stressed the importance of equitable financing opportunities to realise the vision of AMR-free Africa.

    The key messages from the workshop are being incorporated in drafting the African Union’s landmark AMR report, which will elevate the African voice at the UNGA’s AMR High-level meeting. Continued consultative engagements will be conducted in the coming months, ahead of the launch of the report this month.

    Dr Yewande Alimi highlighted the fact that Africa carries the highest burden of AMR, which necessitates the need to get countries to establish and implement National Action Plans.

    She also emphasised the importance of advocating for a One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health sectors, as well as the need for robust surveillance and reporting systems.

    Additionally, she addressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to essential antibiotics, vaccines and diagnostics while preventing their overuse and misuse, particularly among vulnerable populations.

  • Understanding Tela maize benefits, future prospects

    Understanding Tela maize benefits, future prospects

    The Federal Government’s recent launch of TELA maize varieties has sparked mixed reactions. In this special report, NICHOLAS KALU and JULIANA AGBO provide an in-depth analysis on the introduction and implications of genetically modified TELA maize in Nigeria, covering controversies, benefits, regulatory frameworks, and addressing concerns over food security, health impacts and socio-economic implications

    The announcement that the Federal Government had launched the transgenic TELA maize varieties in the country raised concerns in some quarters. The TELA maize variety belongs to a category known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). These crops have been genetically modified to be more resistant to pests and to yield more produce. The concerns raised by some GMO opponents prompted the House of Representatives to call for a halt to GMO crops in Nigeria pending an investigation by its committee.

    In an attempt to address these concerns, the Federal Government stated that the launch of the TELA maize variety aims to close the national maize production deficit, estimated at six million tons annually. This effort is part of a broader agenda to ensure food security. To allay fears, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, emphasised that the ministry is committed to the formulation, implementation, and support of health-related policies and programmes. Regarding genetically modified crops, the ministry is guided by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which operates under the Federal Ministry of Environment. The NBMA is responsible for ensuring that modern biotechnology and its products do not harm human health or the environment.

    The TELA maize initiative is led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners, and developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. This genetically modified maize is designed to be tolerant to drought and resistant to fall armyworm, a pest that farmers report can destroy nearly 100 per cent of maize in the field.

    The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated at the launch that the TELA maize variety will address the national deficiency in maize production, which is estimated at six million tons annually. Abdullahi added that this deficit will be closed within the next three years if 1.5 million hectares of Nigeria’s six million hectares of farmland are used to plant the TELA variety. He explained that this would result in an average additional increase of 10.5 million metric tons, bringing national production to over 20 million metric tons.

    This increase, he said, will not only make Nigeria self-sufficient in maize production but also enable the country to export around two million metric tons annually. According to Abdullahi, the positive impact of TELA maize will be felt across various sectors of the economy. He added that increased maize production will stimulate growth in related industries, create jobs, and drive rural development.

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    However, the Minister’s assurances have done little to quell the concerns of many people, which contributed to the resolution of the House of Representatives. The primary fear is that the TELA maize variety, being laboratory-made rather than naturally occurring, is part of a Western agenda led by Bill Gates. Critics argue that this agenda goes beyond economic exploitation and control, aiming at a more sinister goal: population reduction. These skeptics claim that the genetically modified varieties are not just insect-resistant but are injected with toxins intended to cause sterility and diseases, leading to death and reducing the population. They believe that the nutrients humans need have been removed from the crops and replaced with harmful substances.

    According to these theories, past attempts to reduce the population through Ebola, HIV and COVID-19 failed because Africans relied on organic food. Now, the fear is that GMOs are the latest attempt to undermine the immune systems of Africans by replacing organic food with genetically modified alternatives. Some even believe this is part of a broader plot to replace humans with artificial intelligence. Additionally, there is concern that GMO seeds, including TELA maize, cannot be replanted, forcing farmers to buy new seeds every season, which can be modified at will.

    Proponents of the TELA maize feel the government is not doing enough to enlighten the public and bridge the gaps that breed mistrust. Responding to queries on GMOs and TELA maize, Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, the TELA Maize Project Manager at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), stated that there was no cause for alarm, dismissing the concerns as baseless. Addressing the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Dr. Oikeh emphasised the importance of establishing their safety. He noted that GM foods that have passed regulatory scrutiny and been approved are considered safe to eat. This assessment is supported by various organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), and numerous Academies of Sciences around the world.

    He said, “For one reason or another, some countries chose to import GMO foods and not grow them. Examples are most countries in Europe while most countries chose to produce for local consumption and export surplus for income. Examples are USA, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, to mention a few. Nigeria has joined such countries.”

    Addressing concerns that China, which initiated GMO crops, and many other countries have banned them, Dr. Oikeh pointed out that China imports a significant quantity of GM soybeans and corn (maize) for both human and livestock feed. “In 2024, China approved 27 GM corn seed varieties and three GM soybean varieties for cultivation to bolster domestic production and reduce its reliance on imports. Other GM crops approved in China to be grown for commercial purposes, include corn, cotton, and papaya. The Federal Government of Nigeria also recognises the potential for some GM crops to be produced locally to bridge the productivity gap and reduce reliance on imports to save the huge foreign exchange on food imports for the country,” he said.

    Addressing concerns that GMO crops will lead to loss of original and natural seeds planted over the years by farmers, he said, “There is no evidence that the introduction of GM crops will displace existing seed systems. Farmers have always decided what they want to plant. GM crop varieties are just one additional tool in the farmer’s toolbox to address the twin pressing needs of pest pressure and climate variability. Farmers are free to save their grains and use them for subsequent planting as ‘seeds.’ Regarding concerns that GMO crops will lead to increased and severe hunger because the seeds cannot be replanted, Dr. Oikeh clarified that farmers can choose to replant saved GMO grains as seeds, but the yield will drastically reduce. He said, “So, it is possible to save and replant grains as ‘seeds’ but the crop won’t be uniform on the field, and it loses a unique characteristic that scientists call  hybrid vigour. It is a vigour because the genes from the original parents in the saved grains as ‘seeds’ start segregating, thus reducing the potential of the seeds.”

    Dr. Oikeh also addressed concerns that farmers and traders are not adequately informed about GMO crops to make informed choices about whether to plant them. He explained that research and development for GM crops in Nigeria have been ongoing for more than 10 years at various research centers. Multiple confined field trials and national performance or variety certification trials have been conducted with farmers in different states. He noted that during these trials, information campaigns were undertaken to educate farmers and the public. For example, with PBR cowpea, farmers in cowpea-producing states have been sensitized and educated on the benefits and safety of the beans.

    Reacting to the House of Representatives’ order to halt GMO crops in Nigeria pending an investigation, Dr. Oikeh emphasised that approvals for GM crops are granted by the Federal Government through its mandated agency, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), along with other supporting institutions. These competent agencies closely examined and cleared TELA maize as safe for cultivation and consumption by the Nigerian public. Dr. Oikeh reassured the public of the health safety of TELA maize.

    On fears about the health implications of consuming GMO seeds and taking substances alien to the body. Dr. Oikeh explained that GMO crops undergo rigorous health and safety research under the supervision of the NBMA to ensure they are safe for humans, livestock, and the environment.

    According to him, Nigerian authorities adhere to the most rigorous global standards when approving crops for food and feed. Addressing accusations that the AATF and the Federal Government have a hidden agenda regarding GMOs, which is why they are being forced on the people, he emphasised that the government is the principal custodian of the health and safety of its citizens and would not authorise unsafe food or practices. He added that food security is a primary agenda for all countries worldwide, and Nigeria is keen to leverage the benefits of modern agricultural technology to transform the economy and reduce dependence on large food imports, which are often GM foods. The Principal Investigator of TELA Maize, Professor Rabiu Adamu, who led the team of scientists to develop the new crop varieties at the IAR, Zaria, highlighted the health benefits of adopting the hybrid maize varieties. According to Adamu, the widespread and intensive cultivation of TELA maize will have public health benefits, such as reducing grain damage, which predisposes the grains to mycotoxins. It will also decrease the usage of pesticides and reduce farmers’ exposure to pesticide hazards.

  • Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange’s bittersweet win for journalism

    Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange’s bittersweet win for journalism

    • His epic struggle for truth, transparency

    Julian Assange’s story reads like a Western narrative driven by a conflict of will and adversarial ethics. It mirrors the classic rebel’s relentless pursuit of truth that is unbearable.

    Yet, truth is relative. Atop the brimstone mantle of its depths, and beneath the swamp of its cypress roots lies a hidden world—a cosmos where truth is a currency, and its seekers, unfurl as hounded and unsung heroes. Assange stands as a modern-day explorer of these depths.

    His journey from the sanctum of the Ecuadorian Embassy to the harsh confines of a London prison, mirrors the plight of the stricken heroes of the global hound. Come what may, they leach the whole truth, diving upstream and downstream, against the currents of unforgiving nemesis.

    Truth could be perplexing. Inside the pouched, hard hide of its riddled depths, Assange lunged and fluttered like a determined frogman, eagerly bearing pearl and light from the abyss, into the dismal, tight tenements of Western democracy. His mission was clear: to illuminate the darkest corners of government secrecy and expose the mechanisms of power.

    His controversial arrest, detention, and trial were not just personal tribulations but a profound commentary on the state of freedom of expression in the modern world.

    This is why his story isn’t just about the intricacies of his tumultuous journey, but a jarring expose of the threads of political intrigues, judicial overreach, and indomitable spirit of a man who dared to challenge the most formidable powers.

    The Man Behind the Curtain: Who is Julian Assange?

    Julian Assange, born in Townsville, Australia, in 1971, developed an interest in computers from a young age and gained a reputation as a sophisticated programmer in his teens. His arrest in 1995 for hacking marked the beginning of a complex relationship with the law, but it was his creation of WikiLeaks that would catapult him to international notoriety. Assange’s commitment to exposing government malfeasance and bringing hidden truths to light has been both his greatest achievement and the source of his deepest troubles.

    He emerged from relative obscurity to global notoriety in 2010 when WikiLeaks released a trove of classified U.S. military documents and diplomatic cables. These revelations, including the infamous “Collateral Murder” video, which depicted U.S. military forces killing civilians in Iraq, catapulted Assange into the international spotlight. For some, he was a hero exposing government malfeasance; for others, a reckless agitator endangering lives and national security.

    A platform for whistleblowers to anonymously send primary-source documents to a media outlet, WikiLeaks was the first of its kind. Today, a version of it exists in the toolkits of every news organisation around the world. Unsurprisingly, back then, WikiLeaks made enemies among governments and corporations whose secrets it had exploded. The highpoint of its conflict with powerful bodies was sparked after Chelsea Manning, a youthful US Army private, horrified by the death and violence she was witnessing in the wars she’d been dispatched to in the Middle East, downloaded thousands of US government files and gave them to WikiLeaks, whose operators believed they proved crimes and other violations of power should be publicly aired and their contents made known.

    When WikiLeaks partnered with a number of different journalistic organisations to release stories based on Manning’s leaks between 2010 and 2011, these media partners – including many of the large mainstream news outlets – were initially entirely dependent on WikiLeaks. Eventually, they departed as cheerleaders to become its enemies.

    Perhaps because of the failures of the mainstream media during the war in Iraq – when much of the US news media unquestioningly reported an administration bent on making a case for war to the American people – WikiLeaks became well-known.

    The contrary ethic of WikiLeaks saw journalism as a lever for power, dedicated to ‘catalysing change through the statement of fact’, as Assange said. ‘If wars can be started by lies, peace can be started by truth,’ a rallying cry from I.F. Stone, the cultish Cold War radical journalist from whom Assange drew his inspiration. Assange subordinated his interests to those of the state in precisely the way that makes a freelance journalist suspicious. Unlike traditional publishers and editors, he did not profit from his stolen goods or collude in the intelligence establishment. He was far too radical.

    When WikiLeaks continued exposing US secrets, the US government fought back ferociously. Manning was arrested, tortured into confessing to improbably vast crimes, and given a historically extreme prison sentence, which she is now serving at the military’s ADMAX supermax facility in Florence, Colorado, one of the most restrictive penitentiaries in the US system. Afraid that he would be next, Assange sought and received asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy, in London, where he lived for seven years.

    The Pursuit: From Asylum to Arrest

    Assange’s journey from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he sought asylum for nearly seven years, and sought to avoid extradition to Sweden on sex assault charges, to his dramatic arrest in April 2019 by the British police, following Ecuador’s withdrawal of asylum was a pivotal moment in the saga of his relentless pursuit.

    Until his arrest, his Ecuadorian sanctuary became his prison, a place where he fathered two children and married his partner, Stella Moris. The US government’s relentless pursuit of Assange under the Espionage Act for the publication of classified documents was unprecedented, targeting a publisher in a way never seen before. Under successive administrations, the United States pursued him with a tenacity that underscored the high stakes of his revelations. Charged with multiple counts under the Espionage Act, the charges against Assange were a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who dare to hold power to account.

    The Detention: His Struggle Behind Bars

    Confined in London’s Belmarsh Prison for over five years, Assange’s health deteriorated under harsh conditions typically reserved for the most dangerous criminals. The solitary confinement and limited access to medical care highlighted the punitive nature of his detention. Despite these adversities, Assange’s fight against extradition and for his freedom continued, supported by a global network of activists, journalists, and human rights organizations.

    The Trial: A Theatre of Power and Resistance

    Assange’s trial was a theatre of power, resistance, and unprecedented judicial scrutiny. The U.S. government’s arguments, centered on allegations of espionage and endangerment of lives, were met with fervent counterarguments emphasising the fundamental right to publish information of public interest. Assange’s US lawyer, Barry Pollack, described the prosecution as “unprecedented,” highlighting that the Espionage Act had never been used to pursue a publisher. Pollack asserted that Assange had revealed important and newsworthy information, including evidence of US war crimes, and had suffered tremendously in his fight for free speech and freedom of the press.

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    On June 24, 2024, Julian Assange left Belmarsh Prison in London and boarded a plane for Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. Upon reaching the US territory the next day, he was taken to a federal courthouse. Inside, Assange pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act.

    When asked to explain his crime, Assange told the judge, “Working as a journalist I encouraged my source to provide information that was said to be classified in order to publish that information. I believe that the First Amendment protected that activity. I believe the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction with each other, but I accept that it would be difficult to win such a case given all these circumstances.”

    As part of the plea deal, Assange was sentenced to time served. During the sentencing, Chief US District Judge Ramona V. Manglona said, “The government has indicated there is no personal victim here. That tells me the dissemination of this information did not result in any known physical injury.” After setting the journalist free, the judge noted that the following week was Assange’s birthday, saying, “It’s apparently an early happy birthday to you.”

    His Acquittal: A Victory for Press Freedom

    Assange’s acquittal, following his plea deal, was not merely a legal victory but a resounding affirmation of the principles of press freedom. The ruling, which highlighted the overreach of the US government’s case and the lack of evidence to support the most serious charges, was a beacon of hope for journalists and whistleblowers worldwide. It underscored the essential role of a free press in a functioning democracy and the dangers of criminalising journalistic endeavors.

    Beyond the Courtroom

    The implications of Assange’s trial and acquittal extend far beyond the courtroom. They serve as a crucial reminder of the fragile nature of press freedom in an era of increasing authoritarianism and surveillance. Assange’s ordeal has galvanised a global movement advocating for greater protections for journalists and whistleblowers, reinforcing the need for robust legal frameworks that safeguard the right to inform and be informed.

    A Legacy of Courage and Defiance

    Julian Assange’s story is one of courage, defiance, and unwavering commitment to the truth. His journey, fraught with peril and sacrifice, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern journalism. As the dust settles on his trial, the world is left to ponder the enduring legacy of a man who stood at the precipice of power and proclaimed, unflinchingly, the right to know. His acquittal is not the end but a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for a free and just society.

    In the end, Assange’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring importance of press freedom in the face of overwhelming odds.

    As the journalist who exposed US war crimes, Assange was persecuted by a US government hellbent on criminalising his journalistic work. His freedom has, however, a bitter coda: his US antagonists insisted that journalism can violate the Espionage Act. His plea agreement does not decide legal questions, but the consequences of Assange’s prosecution will no doubt chill investigative journalism.

    It capped a nearly 13-year-long farce, one that began with Assange’s final hearing in a courthouse in Saipan. There is no gainsaying Assange entered the courthouse as one of the most visible political prisoners in the world, and left a free man, who made the world’s most powerful government look small.

  • Heavy rains compound plight of 14 miners trapped in collapsed Niger mining pit

    Heavy rains compound plight of 14 miners trapped in collapsed Niger mining pit

    Niger State, a region rich in mineral wealth, has become synonymous with the grim spectre of illegal mining. Despite a litany of tragic incidents, including fatal collapses and environmental degradation, clandestine mining operations continue unabated. Beneath the cover of darkness and secrecy, a deadly cycle persists. Despite numerous crackdowns by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources and tragic collapses claiming countless lives, illegal mining continues unabated. The stark reality is that for many, the lure of mineral wealth outweighs the imminent risks, driving them to clandestine operations that often end in disaster.

    Relentless pursuit of hidden riches

    The recent spate of enforcement actions by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources highlights the scale of illegal mining activities across the state. In Minna alone, over 300 people have been arrested in the past two months.

    Those arrested include women, girls, boys and men. The mining sites are always an arena for child labour as parents do not hesitate to send their children to the sites to help in digging and carting sands and stones mixed with the minerals dug from the mines in the hope of getting daily stipends.

    The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, often spearheads the operations that have uncovered extensive illicit mining from Gurusu, FM Road and Fadikpe to  Dusten Gwari Hausa and T. Mama Mandela Road. Equipment like pumping engines, shovels, and chemicals were often confiscated during these operations and individuals were arrested, yet these actions seem to have only compelled temporary deterrent.

    Around Izom Bridge near Minna-Suleja Road, the situation is equally dire. Illegal miners operate under the cover of night, eroding the land around vital infrastructure and threatening its stability. Despite the state government’s vow to crack down on these activities, the miners’ persistence, driven by economic desperation, makes eradication a formidable challenge.

    Tragic ends of illegal mining

    The grim consequences of illegal mining were starkly illustrated in Galkogo village, Shiroro Local Government Area on June 5 where a mining pit owned by African Minerals and Logistics collapsed and trapped 20 miners. Six of the miners were rescued while 14 others were still buried in the mining pit at the time of writing. The 14 unfortunate individuals, namely Abdullahi Yahaya, Ibrahim Mansir, Abubakar Isah, Friday Musa, Godwin Hussaini, Benjamin Ashafa, Zayyanu Ibrahim, Abdul Ali, Hamza Musa, Umar Abubakar, Joseph Madaki, Ibrahim I. Ishiaku Kuta, Abbas Musa and  Yakubu Mamman, will remain unaccounted for as despite the deployment of additional equipment including three excavators, two drilling machines, seven pumping machines and a power generator, and the recruitment of over 40 artisanal ad hoc staff to assist with the evacuation of the rubble inside the pit and on the overburden, they have not been able to evacuate these bodies. Their families have been left in agonising limbo.

    Youths in the area claim that there are already indications that the bodies are decomposing in the mining pit as the rains have begun and no other person has been rescued apart from the initial six rescued when the incident occurred.

    President of the Lapma Youth Forum, Babangida Zaharudeen Kudodo, said: “The pit is about 400 metres deep. That is almost the height of a 10-storey building. The workers used ladders to enter. So, those inside have not been rescued yet. I am telling you authoritatively that none of those victims trapped in the pit has been rescued.

    “The pit has not been opened. The place is still there. If anyone wants to see, they should go there and check if they have opened that place. So, the people are still inside.

    “In fact, the pit is getting filled with water and nobody has been able to do anything at the site. There are indications that bodies have started to decompose in the mining pit. At the moment, there are more questions than answers.”

    Two weeks after the Shiroro mine pit collapse, on the 13th June, another tragedy struck in Benin Gwari located in the Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State where another mine pit collapsed killing three people and leaving two others seriously injured.

    According to Sirajo Mohammed, one of the mine workers from the collapsed mining site believed to belong to Jurassic Mines Limited, five people were initially trapped in the collapsed pit which resulted in the loss of three lives while two individuals were successfully rescued and are alive.

    The mine worker revealed that the mining site is under the protection of military officials, saying that there are more than 20 pits on the site, and the miners have to pay the sum of N500,000 before they are allowed to enter the mining pit while they will share the profits from the mineral resources they get at the margin of 40-60.

    The desperate plea for accountability

    In the wake of these tragedies, local communities and advocacy groups have called for accountability and stringent actions against those responsible. The Federation of Nigeria Mining Host Communities has demanded the prosecution of companies exploiting local labour without adequate safety measures. They argue that the persistent loss of life is a direct result of negligent practices and a lack of enforcement of mining regulations.

    The Niger State Chairman, Habibu Wushishi, and the Secretary, Mohammed Mohammed, after its meeting in Minna, said that any of the companies found culpable of using members of the host communities as cheap labour without safety measures should be prosecuted while seeking for compensation for the victims and their families to serve as deterrent to other companies in the state and the nation.

    Adding to the chorus of concern, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has also criticised the state government’s response, or lack of it, to the recent mining disasters. The Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, called for immediate action to recover the bodies and provide succour to grieving families.

    The RDI frowned at the silence of the government weeks after the incident, stating that facts gathered showed that over 50 persons were trapped in the mine pit and not 14 as claimed by the government. The initiative further wondered why the state government has not sanctioned the company – Jurassic Mines Limited – for operating the mines even when a ban on mining activities in the state was in force.

    Philip Jakpor said: “The revelation by the locals that the Niger State Government abandoned efforts to recover the bodies of victims is very disheartening.

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    “It would seem the state government is comfortable at merely representing the dead as insignificant figures, but these were promising young men and children who took to artisan mining because they were not privileged to get decent jobs or go to school.

    “This development is pure insensitivity to the plight of the victims and their families.

    “How come the company was able to carry on business as usual even when a ban was in force?

    “The state government should take full responsibility for these disasters and address the genuine grievances of the local people who have been abandoned to their fate.

    “The silence of the Niger State Government on this matter is unacceptable. The dead are human beings and not mere chickens that can be thrown away and forgotten.

    “We demand immediate steps to recover the bodies still trapped under the rubble in Galadima-Kogo.”

    Vicious cycle

    Despite the government’s efforts to regulate and shut down illegal mining operations, the practice continues. The allure of the precious minerals buried beneath Niger’s soil continues to draw miners into the shadows.

    Economic desperation is a powerful motivator. For many, illegal mining is not just a means of livelihood but a necessity for survival. This grim reality is compounded by stories like those from the village of Galkogo where artisanal miners, driven by poverty and a lack of opportunities, risk their lives daily in dangerous conditions.

    Mallam Salihu Saidu, a relative of one of the trapped miners, reflects the despair and faint hope that many families cling to. “The families have not lost hope. Nothing is impossible with Allah. But I doubt if any of the victims will be alive now. It is so sad,” he lamented.

    This poignant statement highlights the intersection of faith and the harsh realities faced by those involved in illegal mining.

    The tragic deaths in Galkogo and other mining sites reveal a systemic problem that cannot be solved by enforcement alone. The allure of mineral wealth, combined with the lack of alternative economic opportunities, forces many into the perilous world of illegal mining.

    A call for comprehensive solutions

    The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Henry Alake, during his visit to Niger State, emphasised the need for stricter regulations and comprehensive safety measures in the mining sector. He outlined several measures, including mandatory environmental impact assessments and mine development plans for all mining operations.

    Alake’s proposals aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and responsibly.

    Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State echoed these sentiments, highlighting the state’s rich mineral resources and the need for a strategic approach to their exploitation. However, the recent tragic events have shown that more immediate action is needed to protect those who work in and live near mining sites.

    The state Commissioner of Industry, Trade and Investment, Aminu Takuma, disclosed that the state government has blacklisted some mining companies for flaunting the ban order on mining across the state, warning that any company that is caught mining in the state would be blacklisted and their mining licence revoked.

    The measure is meant to further stop the tragedies that arise from mining activities and to regulate mining in the state. This is the reason why the Ministry of Minerals Resources has strengthened its monitoring and enforcement exercise, as it was observed that despite the ban, there are still several pockets of mining activities going on across the state.

    “People are blaming us that the government has put a ban on doing business in the area of solid minerals, and we tell them that it is because we are trying to clean up the sector.

    “We cannot afford people coming to mine solid minerals and end up getting caught up in insecurity. It will cost a bad name for the state.

    “The Governor has placed a blanket ban on mining and the ban order is still in place. The recent mine collapse across the state revealed that people are still doing it. We will expose all of them.

    “When we catch any company, we will blacklist the company and revoke their licences. No one is bigger than the state,” he warned.

    Moving forward: A call to action

    The ongoing struggle against illegal mining in Niger State is a complex issue that intertwines economic desperation, regulatory challenges and human tragedy. The recurring mining tragedies in the state call for a multifaceted approach. There needs to be a significant investment in alternative livelihoods for those dependent on mining.

    While the state’s efforts to curb these activities are commendable, the persistence of illegal mining underscores the need for a more holistic approach. This includes not only stricter enforcement of mining laws but also addressing the root causes that drive individuals into these perilous ventures.

    Moreover, comprehensive community engagement and education about the dangers of illegal mining are crucial. Local leaders, government officials and advocacy groups must work together to create a sustainable and safe mining industry that benefits all stakeholders without compromising safety and human lives.

    As Niger State grapples with this multifaceted crisis, the voices of those affected by illegal mining resonate loudly, demanding justice, safety and sustainable development. Only by heeding these calls can the region hope to turn the page on this dark chapter and build a future where the wealth beneath the ground does not come at the cost of human lives.

  • Dismay as 15-year-old girl hire hoodlums to brutalise mother’s new husband

    Dismay as 15-year-old girl hire hoodlums to brutalise mother’s new husband

    Kayode Adesile did not prepare for the fate that befell him when he visited his new wife, Oluwaseun Omolara Olusola, on June 25, 2024 at her residence in the Powerline area of Meiran, a Lagos suburb.

    Unknown to Adesile, an automobile technician, he had incurred the wrath of Esther, his wife’s 15-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, for reprimanding on an occasion she disrespected her mother.

    Esther, it was said, invited hoodlums to teach her stepfather a bitter lesson for meddling in her matter. The hoodlums, who were around when Adesile was visiting Esther’s expectant mother, pounced on him while he was about to enter the house, dealt him blows and recorded the scenario with their mobile phones.

    “I verbally reprimanded her recently for being rude and disrespectful to her mother, who is my wife. I didn’t know that she was upset by my action which I took in good faith.

    “They had carefully plotted the assault on me, knowing that I usually visit my wife’s home three times in a week.

    “It was when I came around on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 that I was accosted by Esther who beckoned on the hoodlums to beat me up.

    “I was badly beaten and humiliated as they took their time to make videos of the assault.”

    It was said that after Adesile was assaulted, his attackers ran to the Meiran Police Station to lie that he attacked them. By the time Adesile reported the matter at the same police station he was detained.

    The police, according to sources, would later find out that he was actually the victim of the assault, contrary to the complaint made by his attackers.

    “The hoodlums invited by Esther were led by one Oluwakemi a.k.a. Honour, who supervised the brutality meted out to me and even filmed the scene with his boys.

    “I was severely punched and battered by the hoodlums and left helpless as there was no one to save me from them.

    “Even my wife who tried to save me was slapped silly by the boys and pushed to the ground.

    “The hoodlums then left for the station and lied that I had attacked them.

    “The police detained me when I went there to complain about the assault.

    “It was later discovered that the hoodlums had lied and that they were the aggressors in this case.

    “Hence, I was released on bail on Thursday June 27.”

    He further said: “I started dating my wife six years ago before her mother died, and there was no problem between us.

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    “Her mother had asked her to bring me home for proper introduction after she told her that we were in a relationship.

    “I later went to see her mother and we had a very cordial relationship before she died two years ago.

    “When her mother was sick, my wife and I took very good care of her by taking her to a hospital in Abeokuta.

    “She died shortly after we brought her back to Lagos.

    “My wife is currently pregnant for me. I was the one that raised money to send her to school after she finished her JSS 3.

    “I did not do anything to deserve the brutality meted out to me by the hoodlums she invited in connivance with a disgruntled family member of her mother to dehumanise me and even ran to the police to further detain me when in actual fact they were the aggressors.

    “I was released on bail this morning (June 27) and the leader of the hoodlums is the leader a cult group in the community.”

    Speaking with our correspondent, Adesile’s wife, Oluwaseun, who is also Esther’s mother, said her daughter was being brainwashed and used by her unscrupulous family members and neighbours.

    Oluwaseun said: “Esther Adekunle is a product of my former marriage. Her father humiliated me and was fond of brutalising me till we parted ways.”

    She said she had struggled and weathered the storm to ensure that Esther and her two siblings got a good life and education after she parted with their father.

    “There is no work that I have not done to give Esther and her siblings education. I am into cleaning services just so that I can have money to ensure that they feed well and go to school since their father abandoned them for me.”

    The 36-year-old woman said that Esther had formed the habit of disrespecting and insulting her in public.

    “Yet, despite all my struggle to make ends meet and raise them, Esther disrespects me in public and refused to heed my instructions.

    “She would leave home without my consent and return when she wishes. She bedwets and exhibits dirty habits at home.

    “It was recently when she insulted me openly that my new husband called her out and verbally reprimanded her for her misguided attitude.

    “It was for that reason that she further became recalcitrant and planned with my mother’s family members and neighbours to invite the hoodlums to brutalise my husband.

    “My new husband is not a gold digger. I have been dating him before my mother passed on two years ago.

    “He was the one that provided the money we spent in processing admission for Esther to proceed for her Senior Secobdary education.

    “Yet, he is the same person my daughter brought hoodlums to humiliate in public on June 25.

    “While the boys were beating my husband, they also slapped me when i tried to stop them.

    “”To my surprise, the boys came back the next day, June 26, and further assaulted me and there was no one to save me from them.

    “They rushed to the police station and lied to the police that my husband attacked them. The police later detained my husband.

    “The leader of the hoodlums, who is the husband of my daughter’s boss, was also detained when my husband indentified him as the leader of the gang that attacked him.

    She added: “My husband was freed after the police discovered that the hoodlums were the culprits.”

    In an audio recording obtained by our reporter, Esther, confronted by some persons on her complicity in the assault on her mother’s husband, accused Adesile of fondling her breasts about two months earlier.

    “He (stepfather) fondled my breasts about two months ago,” Esther said.

    Asked why it took her two months to avenge her purported molestation and why she did not tell her mother about it, she said: “I told my mother’s family members about it.”

    Adesile and Esther’s mother however described the allegation as a tissue of lies.

    “She is lying. I have never molested her. She is acting a script handed to her by the people that are guiding her to disrespect her mother and myself over my wife’s inheritance which they want to dispossess her of, ” Adesile said.

    Esther’s mother also said her daughter was misguided and told to lie against her stepfather after it dawned on them that their action was criminal and could have consequences.

    She said: “My daughter was told to lie that my husband recently molested her.

    “The truth is that  she is doing a hatchet job for some people who are planning to take over my late mother’s property at all cost.

    “My husband has never molested Esther. She is being used without her knowing.”

    Contacted for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Lagos Command, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer his call and also had not responded to the inquiry sent to his WhatsApp at press time.

  • Concerns as double-edged sword in Almajiri children unfolds

    Concerns as double-edged sword in Almajiri children unfolds

    They are not orphans. Neither are they disowned by their parents. They are simply victims of an archaic culture some people have found or made difficult to let go, especially in the northern part of the country. Undortunately, it does not only expose the children involved to several threats, it also constitutes into threats to the peace, security and development of the northern region and Nigeria in general. ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE writes about the lives and livelihoods of Northern Almajiri children.

    Almajiri is a Stone Age Islamic education system in Northern Nigeria, in which children, mostly of poor family backgrounds, are sent to live with Islamic scholars to receive religious education. At inception, parents used to make provision for the upkeep of the children. The system has, however, been bastardised over time, leaving the often poor Islamic teachers to fend for the children and teach them.

    However, as a means of coping with tens and sometimes hundreds of pupils under their care, the teachers popularly called Mallams decided to turn it into a means of survival. So they send the children out to beg for alms; a situation that leaves them highly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and other forms of violence.

    For decades, addressing this challenge of Almajiri system has dominated discourse at many fora among political, religious and traditional leaders of the region, yet children of school age still roam the streets of northern states, begging for alms.

    Successive governments at federal and subnational levels as well as development partners have spent fortunes to take the children off the streets and enroll them in formal education system, but the problem seems to have defied all the efforts, as the figure of out-of-school children appears to be growing across the states.

    A 2022 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that there are about 12 million Almajiri children in Nigeria, while International Rescue Committee (IRC) in its 2022 report, estimated that there are around 13 million Almajiri children in the country.

    Despite government’s efforts, the statistics stack everyone in the face. Almajiri children flood the streets of Kaduna, Kano and other northern cities with their signature plastic plates, with which they collect goods, stale and sometimes contaminated foods from strangers in the name of begging for alms.

    Their innocence, ignorance, poverty and hunger make them trust everyone on the streets. They entertain no fear to eat whatever anyone gives them or do whatever anyone asks them to do, for as long as it would assuage their hunger or grant them some money from which they would feed and take returns to their Malams.

    Due to the overpopulation that often overwhelms the facilities at their local Islamic schools, the Almajiri children don’t get to take their bath regularly. Sometimes they await their turns for days to be able to use the bathroom. They sleep in congested rooms no matter the heat. They are also exposed to cold during the harsh harmattan season, as they lack the luxury of sleeping on mattresses or wrapped in blankets.

    Seven out of every 10 Almajiri children walk several kilometres daily without shoes and clad in torn clothes that expose their bodies to the cold northern weather. The smaller ones among them are also exposed to being knocked down by vehicles because of the way and manner they move on major roads.

    Their vulnerability to hunger and lack of care expose them to bigger risk of physical sexual and even spiritual abuse. Several cases have been reported where Almajiri children were abused in that manner by people from whom they seek help and even by their care givers in some cases.

    In 2020, a BBC investigation found that many Almajiri children in Kano State were being physically and sexually abused by their teachers and caregivers. Also, in 2019, a report by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) found that over 60% of Almajiri children in Maiduguri, Borno State had experienced physical or sexual violence while a case was reported in 2018 of an Almajiri teacher in Sokoto State who was arrested for sexually assaulting several of his students.

    One of the cases of such abuse that comes to mind is that of 11-year-old Isah Muazu, an Almajiri student from Kaduna who was physically abused in January 2024 by his Almajiri teacher identified as Malam Nura, in Suleja, Niger State. The young Muazu was allegedly brutalised for his inability to memorise a portion of the Qur’an as instructed by his Malam.

    As vulnerable as they are to abuses, diseases and lack of basic necessities of life like food, potable water, shelter and clothing, these innocent children lack access to basic medical care. Many of them have died under the care of their Malams from minor sicknesses like malaria and typhoid.

    Some of the Almajiri children in Kaduna who confirmed their plights in a chat with our correspondent said they sleep in overcrowded rooms, just as they lack access to electricity and potable water. One them, Hibbatullahi, from Zamfara State, said they engage in menial labour to get money for upkeep.

    Asked about how they learn, feed and sleep,

    Hibbatullahi said: “We thank God, my learning is going on smoothly. They sent us foodstuffs from home.

    “But we have little challenge with accommodation. We are too many in a room. About 20 of us are sleeping one room. We also have challenge with toiletries. We have to do menial labour to get money to buy soap to wash our clothes.”

    Speaking in similar vein, another Almajiri, Muhammadu Yunusa, under the tutelage of Sheikh Usman Mohammed Mai Mota Gwalli, said they have no challenge with the quality of education they are receiving at the school. However, inadequate accommodation, water and lack of electricity are the major headache at the centre.

    The proprietor of the Almajiri school, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Mai Mota Gwalli, whose centre is at Hayin Dan Mani, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, said he presently has 350 students in his Almajiri school. He however said he does not allow his students go out begging for alms, but do menial tasks to get little money for their upkeep.

    He said: “Considering the new trend of things and development, we have set new rules for any parent that wants to bring his child to our school.

    “Parents now have to be responsible for what their children wear and also pay the teachers that are taking care of smaller students, in terms of their going out and coming back.”

    Talking about begging for alms, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We have grand rules. Yes, we allow our students to go out within a certain period in the afternoon, but not to go and beg for alms. It is for them to help people do small labour work so that they can get little amount for their upkeep like buying soap to take their bath or wash their clothes.

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    “We have said that none of our students should go to homes or places like restaurants or filling stations to beg for money or food.”

    While also confirming accommodation as the major challenge of his Almajiri school, the Proprietor called on the government to come to the aid of the school by providing them with accommodation, borehole and solar-powered electricity.

    “So, we want government to come to our aid through provision of food, clothing and learning materials. We are in need of borehole to get potable water, we are in need of solar light for reading so that our students can continue learning both day and night. We also need more and befitting accommodation. That is on the top of our needs,” he said.

    Highlighting the importance of advanced learning system, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We equally want to include western education in our curriculum so that the children can have both western and Islamic education. That programme was introduced during the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, but along the line, the programme failed. So, we want government to revive that.”

    Notwithstanding the threats they are exposed to, the Almajiri children themselves, pose greater threats to the Northern Region and the entire Nigeria by extension. The children, most of whom end up running away from the Almajiri schools after becoming teenagers, often grow as half-baked, even in the Islamic education that made them Almajiri. They become uneducated, unskilled and unemployable.

    A Public Affairs Analyst, Alhaji Tajudeen Tijjani, who himself was an Almajiri in the 70s, stressed the need for the National Assembly to enact a powerful law that will address the plights of Almajiri children, saying that the children are not only facing dangers and having a bleak future, they are a calamity yet to explode.

    Alhaji Tijjani said ejecting the Almajiri back to their respective states like some governors are doing is not the way out. They must be rehabilitated and be made to feel that they are part of the society.

    According to him, “the issue of Almajiri did not start today. It has been as old as the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

    “The word Almajiri is a word for one who is seeking knowledge, and can go as far as Sinai, today’s China to acquire it. This is what it means to be an Almajiri.

    “I was an Almajiri boy from the age of seven, between Ibadan and Minna, and this happened when our Mallam in Arabic school Makarantan Alo was moving from one town to another.

    “Today however, the Almajiri system, which was knowledge driven in the past, has been turned into begging on the streets by boys between the age of five and ten years.

    “They have abandoned the Arabic school to come to town and beg. In the past, Almajiri parents provided money for our care every week, and where the parents are poor, we go to popular markets in the area to carry loads for a small amount like one penny or two pence, but only on Thursdays and Fridays.

    “The development today is not only a national burden but a calamity yet to explode. Those unfortunate children are not only facing dangers but have a bleak future, and unless the National Assembly comes to enact a powerful law over their plights, they are not going to forgive all of us.

    “It has become a daily occurrence where you read about missing children in our society, and the authorities keep quiet.

    “My father told me that Chief Obafemi Awolowo had said at a time during his life time that ‘a time will come when those abandoned children will not allow you and your children to sleep’, and today, are we actually sleeping?

    “No, we have lost sleep. Now that we are in the raining season, you need to see those types of children all over the country, and their conditions. It is very pathetic.

    “This Government can write its name in gold by taking the bull by the horns and come out practically to fight the menace.

    “It is not enough, like some states are doing, to eject them back to any state they claim, but look for a way to rehabilitate them and make them feel that they are among the future leaders.”