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Tag: Justice

  • Stakeholders seek decentralisation of justice delivery model

    Stakeholders seek decentralisation of justice delivery model

    Lawyers and other justice sector stakeholders have called for the decentralisation of the nation’s extant justice delivery model that excludes the majority poor and rural dwellers.

    They argued that a decentralised justice delivery model, which marries traditional approach with the formal justice system, would ensure prompt dispute resolution and improved access to justice for the rural dwellers and the not so privileged, who are in the majority.

    These formed parts of the recommendations in a survey report, titled: “Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) in Nigeria report, 2024,” presented yesterday in Abuja by a group, the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL).

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    HiiL’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Ijeoma Nwanfor, said this year’s report, which emanated from the interview of 4,912 Nigerians, was a follow-up to last year’s report in which 6,573 persons were interviewed nationwide.

    Nwafor said the survey revealed that family and land disputes were prevalent among Nigerians seeking prompt and effective justice delivery system.

    “In order to better understand what people seek when trying to resolve their legal problems, we asked people how they ideally would have gone about resolving their most serious problem.”

  • Justice truly ‘blind’

    Justice truly ‘blind’

    • Swiss court teaches a lesson in how not to apply the ‘big man’ syndrome

    Four members of United Kingdom’s richest family were last weekend handed jail sentences for exploiting their domestic staff brought in from India to work at their Geneva mansion. Prakash Hinduja (78) and his wife, Kamal Hinduja (75) each got four years, six months in prison while their son, Ajay (56) and his wife, Namrata (50) received four-year terms. They were convicted by a Swiss court for having taken advantage of their vulnerable immigrant staff to pay them a pittance.

    Prakash is the chairman of the Hinduja Group, a transnational conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, banking and health care operating in 38 countries, and having a workforce of some 200,000 people. He is estimated to be worth £37billion. The family has had a presence in Britain since the 1970s, with roots in India and business operations in Switzerland. They also own the Raffles Hotel in London.

    The case in point stemmed from the family’s practice of bringing servants from their native India, and included accusations of confiscating the staff’s passports once they had arrived in Switzerland. Three workers said they were paid a salary of between 220 and 400 Swiss francs a month – far below what they could otherwise expect to earn in Switzerland, and less than one-tenth of the Swiss minimum wage. Prosecutors also alleged that the servants were rarely able to leave the mansion, and that the Hindujas spent more on their dogs than on the care of the domestic employees. The defendants were acquitted of the more serious charge of human trafficking, but the court held them guilty of human rights abuse and exploitation.

    Prosecutors accused the family of abusing the “asymmetrical situation” between powerful employer and vulnerable employee to save money. “They’re profiting from the misery of the world,” the lead prosecutor told the court. Defence lawyers, however, argued that the three plaintiffs received ample benefits, were not kept in isolation and were free to leave the villa. “We are not dealing with mistreated slaves,” one of the lawyers told the court. Another lawyer argued that the employees were indeed “grateful to the Hindujas for offering them a better life.” He said prosecutors had failed to mention extra payments made to the staff on top of their cash salaries, and that they (the prosecution) merely wanted to scapegoat the Hindujas. The family reportedly struck a confidential out-of-court settlement with the three employees who had made the accusations against them, but the prosecution insisted on pursuing the case owing to the gravity of the charges.

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    In her verdict, the Swiss court judge held that the Hindujas exploited the employees’ inexperience. “They had little education or none at all and had no knowledge of their rights. The defendants’ motives were selfish,” she said, adding that they were motivated “by the desire for gain.” She, however, cleared the family of the charge of human trafficking on the ground that the workers had travelled to Switzerland willingly. The Hindujas were reported saying they would appeal the verdict. “The family has full faith in the judicial process and remains confident that the truth will prevail,” one of the defence lawyers said.

    One moral of this case is the injustice of slave labour to which many people, including people here in Nigeria, subject their domestic staff. The Swiss court came down hard on the trend, and that should be a pointer to the odium of such practice everywhere else. In Nigeria, the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has been in the vanguard of advocacy against sourcing domestic staff from persons trafficked – oftentimes from neighbouring countries – all because such labour comes at a cheap cost. Now we know that Nigerians too get trafficked to other countries as the recent case of teenage girls rescued in Ghana showed, and most Nigerians were not in the least humoured by the discovery. The ‘golden rule’ says do unto others as you want them to do unto you. Engaging domestic staff in slave labour is gross abuse of human rights that the law frowns on, and which is punishable if it gets taken before the courts. It should thus be avoided.

    The Swiss court also profoundly demonstrated that the law is no respecter of persons; this should be emulated in our clime. The social standing of the Hindujas compared with the domestic employees did not deter the court from serving the cause of justice in full measure. The Nigerian judiciary should see a lesson to learn here.

  • Parents demand justice over mysterious death of daughter in boyfriend’s house

    Parents demand justice over mysterious death of daughter in boyfriend’s house

    The parents of a 22-year-old female nurse, Ginika Judith Okoro, who died in the house of her boyfriend, Charles Ndukwu, in Ezeogba, Awaka, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, have called on the Nigeria Police and state government to unravel the cause of the mysterious death of their only daughter.

    Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the mother of the late nurse, Mrs. Caroline Nneji, said the deceased died when she visited Charles.

    “My only daughter died last Sunday when she visited a young man called Charles. My only daughter who was 22 years old was raised by us.

    “She has a chemist shop where she treats patients, and you know as a nurse she goes to patients’ houses sometimes to treat them.

     “This fateful Sunday, she visited a young man and died in his house.

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    “My only eye has gone. What sin did I commit that cannot be forgiven?” Mrs. Caroline Nneji, mother of the late nurse said, weeping.

    According to the parents, they were informed of the death of their daughter by the boyfriend, who claimed that he bought pepper soup for their daughter but she became unconscious after taking it, and he rushed her to Edochie Clinic, Awaka in Owerri North, where she was confirmed dead by the presiding doctor.

    The parents of the deceased have called on the police and state government to thoroughly investigate the matter and serve justice to them.

    “All we seek from the police and the state government is proper investigation for the unraveling of the facts behind our daughter’s mysterious death.

    “It is the truth only that we are seeking, after all, our daughter cannot come back to life again,” they said.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and assured that the police would do everything possible to unravel the cause of the mysterious death of the young girl.

  • Retooling justice sector for efficiency

    Retooling justice sector for efficiency

    For two days last week, law experts and other stakeholders in the justice delivery sector gathered in Abuja to examine how best to reposition the court system for efficiency. Assistant Editor ERIC IKHILAE reports.

    That the nation’s justice administration system is troubled is indisputable.

    Speakers at the National Summit on Justice 2024 admitted this much.

    They agreed that it could be fixed.

    But, the question, however, remains how?

    This question was what engaged participants at the event, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, between April 24 and 25. 

    The event, with the theme: “Repositioning the Justice sector in Nigeria: constitutional, statutory and operational reforms for access and efficiency,” afforded members of the three arms of government the opportunity for a closer examination of the many ills that plague the justice system and TO suggest ways to address them.

    Contributions were robust, exhaustive and frank.

    And, when the curtains eventually fell at about 6 pm on April 25, enough recommendations were harvested, which, if faithfully applied, would effectively turn around, for good, the current state of affairs in the system of justice administration.

    Presentations were made by both local and foreign experts, including former Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. Willy Mutunga, who participated virtually and spoke about his country’s experience in justice system reform and the beneficial outcomes of the various initiatives adopted.

    Dr. Mutunga touched on the need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s Constitution to strengthen its democratic foundations beyond national borders.

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    He, however, said adherence to collective bargaining and social dialogue has “minimised work-stoppages, strikes and lockouts,” adding government and unions should deepen engagement.
    Aremu singled out the October 2 15-point MOU after removal of fuel subsidy “as a framework for managing industrial relations in crisis”.
    He said the agreement benefits all parties, citing award of N35,000 pending a minimum wage, suspension of VAT on diesel for six months, N100 billion for CNG buses, as well as an inclusive 37-member wage committee.

    He advocated the collaboration of African states in the legal sphere by proposing the establishment of a central institute dedicated to legal scholarship and collaboration across the continent to foster a unified legal framework for courts in the continent, and by extension, strengthening the legal system of all African countries.

    Tinubu, Akpabio, CJN demand holistic reform

    Declaring the event open, President Tinubu noted that all was not well with the system.

    Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President tasked the managers of the nation’s justice system and other stakeholders to ensure that the system functions to the benefit of all.

    “Justice sector leaders and professionals need to find the right responses to the challenges we face, through policy innovation, citizens-centred reforms, system change and legislative reform, where necessary.

    “I accordingly, urge the leadership of all justice sector institutions to seek a new direction and focus on how to create a justice system that fully responds to the needs of our citizens, one that serves Nigeria now and for generations to come,” the President said.

    Tinubu noted that despite its contributions to the socio-economic and political developments, a lot is required to be done to restore public confidence in the justice system.

    He added: “The reality is that there is an urgent need for a functional justice system capable of supporting a rapidly growing economy, guaranteeing basic human and political rights of individuals and providing security and justice to all.

    “This makes continuous reforms imperative. It further underlines the establishment of reliable metrics and benchmarks across all justice sector institutions to identify the needed system changes and evaluate the effect of reform measures.

    “The impact of your reform efforts should be visible in terms of improved access to justice, strengthened integrity of justice sector institutions, increased timeliness and quality of justice delivery, accountability and transparency of the system, and ultimately, improved public trust and confidence in the judicial system…

    “Ultimately, the expectations are that law and justice should aim to ensure public safety, economic development, peaceful coexistence and the wellbeing of our people,” Tinubu said.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the key challenges with the court system included delays and case backlog, which not only deny timely justice delivery but undermine citizens’ faith in the system.

    Akpabio assured that the legislative arm would do all within its capacity to address the many identified challenges hampering the system’s effectiveness.

    He suggested some key reform initiatives, which include the elimination of interlocutory appeals, preventing judges’ abuse of ex-parte orders and the eradication of the requirement for the Attorney-General’s consent as a condition for the execution of monetary judgments.

    Akpabio said: “We must try and curb the misuse of ex-parte orders in political cases by our judges. To curb it, the National Judicial Council (NJC) must exercise stringent oversight.

    “We recommend prompt and decisive punishment for judges who are found to abuse their authority in this manner.

    “We further propose that the National Judicial Council (NJC) establishes clear and detailed standards governing the issuance of ex parte orders, accompanied by a defined set of sanctions for violations.

    “These sanctions should be severe enough to serve as a deterrent against future abuses

    “We recommend that the NJC should conduct regular audits and reviews of ex parte orders issued by judges to ensure compliance with established standards.

    “This proactive approach will help in identifying patterns of abuse early and in administering corrective measures promptly.

    “In addition to punitive measures, we also emphasise the importance of ongoing training and education for judges on the ethical and responsible use of judicial discretion in issuing ex parte orders,” he said.

    On the need to reform lawyers/litigants’ approach to interlocutory appeals in civil cases, Akpabio said: “Currently, these appeals often cause unnecessary delays, prolonging litigation and burdening our courts.

    “As was done in the criminal jurisprudence during the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, we propose that all appeals in civil cases should be taken only after the conclusion of the substantive case.

    “This change will accelerate judicial processes, reduce backlog, and ensure that litigations are not unduly prolonged by intermediate appeals.

    “Another area requiring urgent reform is the need for obtaining the Attorney-General’s consent before executing judgments.

    “This requirement often acts as a bottleneck, delaying justice and undermining the autonomy of our judicial system.

    “We propose modifying this requirement to facilitate a swifter execution of judgments, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our justice system.

    “We propose replacing the requirement for the Attorney-General’s consent with a mandatory notification system,” the Senate President said.

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, called for a holistic reform of the system to eliminate existing systemic challenges.

    Justice Ariwoola said: “We must address systemic issues that undermine the integrity of our justice system, including corruption, inefficiency and undue influence.

    “Upholding the independence and impartiality of the Judiciary is paramount as it is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy and a guarantor of the rule of law.”

    The CJN noted that access to justice currently remains a distant reality for far too many Nigerians, with barriers ranging from procedural complexities to socio-economic disparity.

    He said the quest for justice should not be a privilege reserved for the privileged few, but a right accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.

    Justice Ariwoola added: “Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to embark on a journey of comprehensive reform to ensure that justice is not only dispensed but also perceived to be dispensed fairly and impartially.

    “Constitutional, statutory and operational reforms are imperative if we are to reposition the justice sector for the 21st Century.

    “We must critically examine our legal framework, identifying gaps and inconsistencies that hinder the efficient administration of justice.

    “Moreover, we must be bold in our pursuit of legislative reforms that reflect the evolving needs of our society, while upholding the principles of fairness, equality and human rights.

    “We must leverage technology and innovation to streamline court processes, reduce delays and improve the overall efficiency of our judicial system.

    “By embracing digital solutions, we can enhance transparency, accountability and public trust in the administration of justice,” the CJN said.

    Fagbemi explains reasons for the summit

    Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) explained the summit was part of an effort by the Federal Government to address the many challenges plaguing the justice system.

    Fagbemi recalled that similar summits were held in 2017 and 2022, adding that the 2024 edition “offers us an opportunity to assess the successes recorded and challenges faced since these last summits.”

    He said the 2024 summit allowed participants to measure the impact of the reforms initiated by the National Policy on Justice (2017 – 2023) in the key areas of administration of justice – law enforcement, judicial proceedings, correctional services, restorative and traditional justice, legal education and practice, among others.

    The AGF added that a major objective of this year’s summit was to validate and adopt the revised National Policy on Justice, 2024 – 2028 which is the product of extensive research work and consultations undertaken by critical stakeholders in the justice sector.

    Fagbemi said: “It provides a comprehensive assessment, review and consideration of issues militating against effective administration of justice and a well-articulated broad road map of initiatives, actions and responsibilities for addressing and repositioning the justice sector to effectively and efficiently discharge its duties in enhancing national security, upholding the rule of law, promoting the protection of human rights, democratic principles and the socio-economic development of our nation.”

    Adoption of national policy on Justice

    Shortly after the opening session on April 24, the validation of the National Policy on Justice was conducted by an official of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Felix Ota-Okojie, following which a motion for its adoption was moved by the former Attorney General of Ekiti State, Wale Fapohunda (SAN) and seconded by Mrs. Boma Alabi (SAN).

    The national policy on justice was subsequently adopted by the summit as proposed.

    According to the AGF, the National Policy on Justice 2024 to 2028 will now serve as a roadmap, paving the way for a more efficient, equitable and responsive justice system for all Nigerians.

    Scope of the summit

    Subsequently, the summit went into three sessions.

    The first session had as its main theme: “Judicial appointments/selection,” with three sub-themes – “Assessing the performance of the NJC in discharging its responsibility for judicial appointments into the superior courts of record,” “examining the structure and role of the State Judicial Service Commissions (SJSC) in the judicial appointments process,” and “philosophical underpinnings of the judicial appointments process: Structural and constitutional dimensions and the proposals for constitutional and legislative reforms”.

    The second session, with the theme: “Examining the efficiency of the current constitutional framework for the funding, administration and budgeting for the Judiciary in the allocation of resources and accountability on the part of the Judiciary.”

    It had as its sub-theme – “Examining various models for professionalising the administration of courts, whilst ensuring the independence of the Judiciary and proposals for constitutional and legislative reforms.”

    Session three dealt with “Eradicating delays in the administration of justice: Agenda for leveraging the rules of procedure and effective case management in Nigeria: Focus on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Laws and the Administration of Civil Justice law.”

    The session also examined the sub-theme: “ Discipline at the Bar and on the Bench – The case for enhanced disciplinary powers, performance, management and court monitoring.”

    Need to reduce CJN’s powers in judicial appointments

    The first panel assessed the performance of the NJC in discharging its responsibility for judicial appointments into the superior courts of record.

    The panel was moderated by Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), with the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, Dr. Oliver Stolpe of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Prof. Ameze Guobadia of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos and former member of the NJC, Muiz Banire (SAN) as members.

    Members of the panel were unanimous that there was a need for a significant review of the role of the NJC in judicial appointments into the superior court of record.

    They expressed concern about the current arrangement where the CJN, who is the Chairman of the NJC, is also the Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), which is the body that initially reviews proposals or lists of candidates by appointment into judicial office.

    Members of the panel noted the seeming inconsistency between the CJN acting in both capacities, arguing that it would appear that the CJN was recommending candidates to himself, being Chairman of both bodies and also being the person who appoints a significant number of the members of both the NJC and the FJSC, other than those who are statutory members.

    The panel also considered the

    reform proposals presented by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which were subsequently approved in modified form.

    However, the general consensus among members of the first panel was that there was a need to reconstitute both the NJC and FJSC to limit the influence of the CJN on judges’ selection and appointment.

    Need for recomposition of SJSCs

    The second panel, which examined the role of the State Judicial Service Commissions (SJSCs), was moderated by Dr. Uju Agomoh of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA).

    Other panellists were a retired judge of the Kogi State High Court, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye; immediate past Attorney General of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), former Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Wale Fapohunda (SAN), and ex-Attorney General of Jigawa State (who is the current Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN).

    Members of the panel also agreed that there was a need to tinker with the way the various SJSCs perform their roles.

    It was suggested among others, that the composition of the SJSCs should be more diverse to reflect the interests of the users of the justice sector.

    Justice Omolaye-Ajileye particularly noted that the current NJC Guidelines may have subverted the aim of the constitutional provision, which empowers the SJSCs to make judicial appointments.

    He observed that the NJC guidelines, rather than authorising the SJSCs to prepare a shortlist of potential candidates for judicial appointments, appear to direct that responsibility solely to the Chairmen, who are Chief Judges of the states.

    Given Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s observations, members of the panel suggested among others, that, in relation to the composition of the SJSCs, in the short term, even before the stage of constitutional amendments, the measure that could easily be adopted is to amend that aspect of the NJC Guidelines to make clear that the development or preparation of shortlist of candidates for judicial appointments should be the duty of the entire members of the SJSC in each state and not solely by the Chief Judge.

    Need for review of judicial appointment process

    The third panel examined the philosophical underpinnings of the judicial appointments, process, structural and constitutional dimensions and proposals for constitutional and legislative reform.

    Moderated by a former Attorney General of Plateau State, Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas (SAN), the panel had ex-President of the NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, Yusuf Ali (SAN), Joseph Otteh of Access for Justice and the Acting Director of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law in London, England, Dr. Jan van Zyl Smit as members.

    Members of the panel considered the general approach that ought to be taken to reform the judicial appointments process.

    They underscored the point that the focus should be on increased transparency in the appointment process, with an emphasis on meritocracy and a focus on meaningful performance evaluations of those who seek judicial office.

    The panel recommended among others, the codification of the judicial appointments process to ensure that the discretion, currently witnessed in the appointments process, is reduced to the barest minimum.

    Re-examining funding process for Judiciary

    The fourth panel, moderated by Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), addressed issues relating to funding, budgeting and administration for the Judiciary.

    Other members of the panel were the retired President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie and Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN).

    The panel examined the efficiency of the current constitutional framework for the funding administration and budgeting for the Judiciary, the allocation of resources and accountability on the part of the judiciary.

    Members agreed that there was a need for significant reform given the realisation that the current process for funding the courts was inadequate.

    As the panel progressed in its activities, it became obvious that the provisions of the constitution as contained in the Fifth Amendment, that funding for the state courts should be a joint effort of the Executive and the Judiciary, was not being implemented in the majority of the states.

    It was also discovered that the funding for the Judiciary at the federal level was better than the case of the Judiciary at the state level.

    Need to professionalise court administration/management

    The fifth panel reviewed various models for professionalising the administration of the courts, whilst ensuring the independence of the Judiciary.

    It also took a look at existing proposals for constitutional and legislative reform needed for that purpose.

    Moderated by Dr. Ajibade, other members included the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kasim Zannah; Dr. John Sorabji of the University College London (who participated virtually) and the immediate past ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye.

    It was agreed that there was a need to professionalise the administration of the courts; and a need to appoint persons with clear administrative experience, to be selected through a transparent process, to administer the courts.

    This arrangement, it was agreed, would separate the administration of the courts from the administration of justice.

    Members were equally unanimous on the need to professionalise the administration of the courts since judges are, by their training, not versed in administration or management, but are trained to adjudicate over cases.

    However, the area of debate was the need to separate the administration of the courts from the administration of justice, and who should exercise the power to appoint these administrators to ensure that the independence of the judiciary was not subverted.

    It was agreed that the issue was something that should be taken back and debated in the course of drafting the appropriate legislation.

    Reducing Supreme Court’s workload

    The sixth panel examined ways of eradicating delays in the administration of justice; an agenda for leveraging the rules of procedure and effective case management in Nigeria.

    In this regard, emphasis was on the two procedural laws – the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Laws and the Administration of Civil Justice Law.

    Moderated by Prof. Peter Akper (SAN) of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), the panel had as members former Attorney General of Delta State, Isaiah Bozimo (SAN), Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN) and the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Sector Reform, Fernandez Marcus-Obiene.

    The panel considered several proposals and strategies that could be adopted to enhance the speed of justice delivery in the country.

    Among others, the panel considered the importance of limiting the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to ensure that cases that would go to the apex court would only be those of significant national importance.

    They added that such cases should only be allowed after leave of the Supreme Court is first sought and obtained.

    The discussants suggested that the automatic right of appeal to the Supreme Court should be severely curtailed and be limited only to cases relating to the office and the election into the office of the president of the federation, Vice President and governors of the states.

    Taming indiscipline among judges, lawyers

    The seventh and final panel, moderated by Dr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), dealt with discipline at the Bar and on the Bench, the case for enhanced disciplinary powers, performance management, and court monitoring.

    Other members of the panel were Justice Mohammed Garba of the Supreme Court, retired judge of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Olusola Williams, President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) and Miss Hadiza Usman of Partners West Africa (Nigeria) 

    Panellists spoke about the problems with indiscipline among judges and lawyers and noted that the issue of indiscipline at the Bar and on the Bench constitutes a major contributor to the current inefficiency of the system and the lack of public confidence in its ability to deliver justice.

    At the close of discussions, members agreed that major steps needed to be taken, in identified areas, to enhance the quality of justice delivery and increase public confidence justice delivery system.

    As noted by the Chairman of the summit’s Joint Planning Committee, Dr. Ajibade, the consensus at the end of the summit was that the issues raised were significant.

    He added that there was a commitment by the AGF and by all present, who listened to the discussions and deliberations at the summit, that there was a need to convert the resolutions into draft legislation that will be presented to the National Assembly for inclusion in the ongoing constitution review process.

    Dr. Ajibade added that it was expected by all participants that recommendations that do not require an amendment to the Constitution should be implemented almost immediately.

  • ‘Our departed heroes will get justice’

    ‘Our departed heroes will get justice’

    Text of an address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the funeral of the fallen officers and soldiers at the National Cemetery , Abuja…yesterday

    Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff and other military officers.

    It is with heavy heart that I join you today to commit to earth, the remains of our officers and men who died in the course of duty on 14 March 2024 in Okuama Community, Delta State.

    The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honoured for generations to come.

    On 14 March, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, led three other officers and 13 soldiers to the Okuama community to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba community.

    They went as peace makers and peace keepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

    They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons.

    They were on a mission of peace.

    Before the dastardly attack, Lt. Colonel Ali, as the Chief of Army Staff briefed me, enjoyed great operational exploits; fighting terrorists and insurgents in the North East and North West before his deployment to the Niger Delta.

    Ali kept faith with his military calling till the end.

    On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day. They will forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

    Lieutenant Colonel Ali,

    Major D.E Obi,

    Major S.D. Ashafa,

    Captain U. Zakari,

    Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu,

    Corporal Danbaba Yahaya,

    Corporal Kabir Bashir,

    Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim,

    Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna,

    Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi,

    Lance Corporal Bello Anas;

    Private Alhaji Isah,

    Private Clement Francis,

    Private Abubakar Ali,

    Private Adamu Ibrahim,

    Private Hamman Peter, and

    Private Ibrahim Adamu,

    Each man now belongs to the hallowed list of servicemen and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risk to their own lives.

    They have all been awarded posthumous national honours. The four gallant officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON). Sergeant Yahaya Sule got Federal Republic Medal I, while the remaining 12 got Federal Republic Medal II.

     I commiserate with the families of our fallen heroes and the entire Armed Forces. I share in the pain and grief you carry today. It is my prayer that God will comfort all who are bereaved as a result of this tragedy.

    It is worth restating the debt of gratitude we owe these valiant soldiers and their families.

    As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces  for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery. I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.

    While we continue to grieve for the courageous men we lost that day, let us also, on this solemn occasion, be reminded of the unfinished business of working for peace and harmony in our communities.

    We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels especially community leaders and traditional rulers must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.

    I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.

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    The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.

    I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities. We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

    To the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have a message for you: Do not let the death of your compatriots discourage you. There is no higher honour than the vocation you have chosen to pursue. We cherish you. We cherish your labour of love. We salute your daily sacrifice in protecting your fellow citizens from danger. We acknowledge your sacrifices to defend our nation.

    Within our continent, our sub-region and across the world, the Nigerian Military has remained a force for good, embodying a great example and keeping our democracy safe.

    It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes.

    The Federal Government will provide a house in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

    The Federal Government has also approved scholarships to all the children of the deceased up to the University level.

    The Military must, within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

    May the families of the departed  and all their loved ones find the strength to bear the pain of this loss.

    May God grant our heroes eternal rest.

    May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep our troops safe, always.

  • Justice for SGBV victims: CSOs, Lagos judges, converge

    Justice for SGBV victims: CSOs, Lagos judges, converge

    For sexual and gender-based violence offenders who capitalise on Nigeria’s prolonged justice system to perpetrate their heinous crimes, it may no longer be business as usual.

    This is as frontline women rights advocacy body, Project Alert on Violence Against Women in partnership with the Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP) with support from the Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) came together to deliberate on way forward in a two-day stakeholders workshop titled: “Integrated Response To Advancing Justice And Accountability in Lagos State.”

    Speaking at the event held at Watercrest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on the 7th and 8th of March, Executive Director, Project Alert, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, said the programme is a two-year project being supported by the Open Society Africa aimed at focusing on enhancing response to cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State.

    Even as she admitted that Lagos State stands out in terms of response to sexual and gender-based violence, she said, “There is still a lot to be done, because we still hear victims saying ‘I leave it to God;’ and when a victim of sexual violence says, ‘I leave it to God,’ that is not the first choice. It’s because they are frustrated and tired.  What are the challenges? These are the things we are here to discuss. Starting from the police station. What is the response? How quickly do the police move in terms of investigation? As it is often said, justice delayed is justice denied. What are victims’ experiences at the police station?  What is the time frame of response to moving a case to the DPP’s (Director of Public Prosecution) office, if it is a criminal matter? When does it get to court, and how long does it take to dispense justice in the court? That is why we have the police, the Justice Ministry, the judiciary, lawyers and civil society groups here to work as a team. That is why the project is called Integrated Response, meaning everyone has a role to play  office.

    Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual offences Court, High Court of Lagos State, speaking to the media, said the effort to combat SGBV has to be coordinated for optimum result. He commended the society, the non-governmental organisations, and the Lagos State Government, especially for taking the campaign to schools, such that victims can now report to their teachers/counselors for onward action. He, however, said the society as a whole, still has to do more in the area of getting offenders to report cases.

    “Regarding victims coming out to report, that has not been as good as the efforts put in by the government. Victims don’t come out, and if you do not report the crime, the implication is that the offender will not be brought to justice; and the larger implication for society is that there may be a repeat of these offences, and ultimately, other victims may be affected by this same perpetrators.”

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    He said the two-day workshop would help stakeholders, especially the government, investigators, prosecutors brainstorm and have a robust discussion on manners of dealing with the menace.

    On the issue of prolonged cases, Justice Oshodi said the Lagos State government has a specialised division that deals with sexual and gender-based violence, to ensure that justice is delivered timelessly.

    “The Lagos State government has done a lot more and we are able to deliver judgment in timely fashion, particularly because of the guidance we get from the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Practice direction that says judgment in criminal cases should be delivered within 365 days.”

    Executive Director, Open Society of Justice Reform Project (OSJRP), Samuel Akpolokun said the project was informed by the spate at which sexual and gender-based violence is going, “despite the fact that Lagos State, especially, has been proactive in promulgating laws and showing a lot of political will towards eradicating the menace.”

    “We also noticed what we would call impunity on the part of the perpetrators. It is for these reasons this project was conceived. The idea is not to promulgate another law, but to harness the strength and abilities of the stakeholders to have a stronger force to combat sexual and gender-based violence. You know that when you push with a finger, you may not have much force but when you clench your fist together and punch, you can then have greater and more effective impact. That is the background behind this project.”

    The OSJRP is a fully Nigerian organisation out to achieve a more just and safer society.

  • Wrong-handed justice

    Wrong-handed justice

    • Woman arrested for administering ‘Sniper’ on baby may need medical attention

    A mother was late last week taken into custody by the police in Lagos State for purportedly attempting to kill her sick daughter by administering the poisonous insecticide known as ‘Sniper’ on her. The police said she was arrested for investigation after bringing the one-year-and-seven-month-old baby for treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, and disclosing to a doctor what she had used on her to calm her excessive convulsions.

    Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police, was reported saying the woman was arrested after LUTH referred the matter to the security agency last Friday. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the chief security officer at the hospital reported to the police that the mother brought the baby in to the hospital for treatment and told a doctor that she gave her ‘Sniper’ to drink when her convulsion was not abating. “The mother said she gave the liquid to her child so she could rest from her excessive convulsions,” Hundeyin said, adding: “Detectives were immediately dispatched to the hospital where they met the baby receiving treatment. The mother has been taken in for investigation after the child had received treatment.”

    The police’s response to the case of this woman smacks of stock and insensitive dealing in justice, if that is assumed to be the objective. The woman on her own brought the baby to hospital for medicare, not that the baby was rescued from her deadly clutches at home, or that she ran away and abandoned the baby after administering the poisonous substance. She also on her own disclosed to the doctor what she had done, apparently to guide LUTH medical personnel on what treatment to be applied on the baby. How all these added up to an attempt to end the baby’s life for which the woman was arrested by the police begs logic. It seems possible that the woman sought to relieve the baby of her convulsive syndrome, but applied an obnoxious remedy either out of sheer ignorance, confused agitation or a questionable state of mind. Whichever it was, none equates to hideous premeditation of seeking to end the baby’s life, and thank goodness it did not result in that.

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    People familiar with natal matters spoke of how some women could suffer from post-partum depression, which may render them cloudy minded for a long while after childbirth. This state of mind is an underlying condition of mental imbalance that could be akin to temporary insanity. Interestingly, nothing was mentioned in the case of this woman about the father of her baby, suggesting that she had the convulsive state of the child to contend with all by herself. It is conceivable how desperate she might have gotten in the bid to calm the child, hence her recourse to a remedy that was worse than the ailment for which remedy was sought. A quick lesson to learn here is that it is irremediably a misadventure to self-medicate where help should be sought from people trained to handle health challenges.

    Having said that, we think that the response of the police in arresting this woman for interrogation rather than offering her medical help, which may be what she really needs, betrays the underdevelopment of our justice system. In other words, the woman may be a sick patient profiled as a likely criminal – with the negative societal perception associated with such profiling. The police need expertise in humanising justice, including having specialists in human psychology, gynaecological and child health issues, among others, that may come handy in dealing with cases like the one in reference. Where relevant departments already exist within the police system, the personnel of those departments should be put to work on cases that appear to go beyond criminal intent, which is the core area of criminal detectives.

    We hope and pray that the poisoned baby is nursed back to full health soonest. But we also recommend that the embattled mother be taken for medical examination prior to being consigned to criminal investigation and subsequent prosecution. She may need a doctor more than she needs the judge.

  • Shortage of 300 staff impairs justice delivery, says CJ

    Shortage of 300 staff impairs justice delivery, says CJ

    The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar has said that justice delivery in the state is currently hampered by poor number of needed manpower and the non-recruitment of fresh staff to fill the vacancies created by those that have left the service of the high court

    The Chief Judge further declared that the high courts in Katsina state currently have vacancies totaling 300

    Justice Danladi, in an exclusive chat with The Nation in his office, identified the causes of the vacancies created in the service of the courts to include: deaths, retirements, dismissals from service as well as recipients of other disciplinary measures

    He said: ‘’We have made several requests to the authorities concerned, for the filling of these vacancies but the requests have been severally ignored due to no tangible reasons and we were forced to either merge the courts or adjust hearing hours’’

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    ‘’We cannot hire emergency staff for some technical areas than to merge some of the courts because of staff shortages and loaded court hours as well.‘’

    The Chief Judge further announced the takeoff of the newly established Katsina State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Special courts, this January, adding the centre has already treated 10 GBV-related cases and ordered the repatriation of two survivors back to their families, within the month.

  • Victims of sexual violence will get justice, OPD vows

    Victims of sexual violence will get justice, OPD vows

    The Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju, has assured victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) of the readiness of her agency to get justice for them.

    She urged victims of sexual and domestic violence not to cover up for anyone but to come up and file reports so that they could get justice,

    The OPD director stated this during a sensitisation of the people carried to the nooks and crannies of Lagos on Friday as part of the activities marking the United Nations “International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women”, The theme was “ Orange the World: #No Excuse”

    The road trip took them through Ojuelegba, Lawanson. Itire, Okota and  back through Masha, back to Ojuelegba environment  to ensure that the immediate environment know about their activities.

     ”We know SGBV is a menace in the society and we at the OPD, we are to ensure justice for every one of the victims, men , women and children. As many victims of SGBV are free to come into our office to talk about it and ask for our help.

    “We are collaborators with the DSVA to ensure that every woman, every man. every child that suffers GBV have access to justice.”

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    Adesomoju explained that the 16 days of  activism was “a UN initiative designed to sensitise the public about SGBV. The 16 days of activism which starts from November 25 and ends December 10 which is to eliminate violence against women, men and children is the Human Rights Day. So, all the institutions that have the mandate to ensure the protection of human rights, come up with different activities to ensure that we sensitise the public and advocate that we end violence against women and children.

    “That is what we are doing. We are joining the world to let them know that it is a No, No to SGBV, there is no excuse. So, no excuse for any form of SGBV against women and  the girl child.

    “So, don’t say this is how she is dressed, she deserves to be raped or defiled. No. Or that she is a very stubborn woman, I have to beat her up. No. That is why we are out there to say No to SGBV. 

    “Nobody deserves to be raped, nobody deserves to be violated , nobody deserves to be maltreated in any form, whether physically, psychologically, financially. Any form of abuse is a No, No”, She stressed.

    She said her department collaborates and works with  many private organisations to fight the menance. When a child is defiled or a woman is raped, there are so many institutions that we collaborate with to ensure that they carry out medical examination in a bid to ensure that the matters are properly prosecuted in court and it is the office of the DPP that prosecutes. 

    “We ensure that there is a follow up with the victims to ensure that all that is needed to pursue their case and ensure Justice for them are done as well,”

    She said the OPD and other collaborating agencies are all first responders in the fight against SCBV.

    “So, when they come to us, we find out what the issue is and we ensure that the case is incidented at the Police station, and the Police carry out relevant investigation and all the medical investigation are also carried out, and we go out after them.

    “We are not prosecutors, but we provide defence for as many people as require defence. We ensure that we follow up, to ensure that Police carry out relevant investigation and pass all to the office of the DPP for prosecution. They come to us as first responders and we give supportive role because we can’t prosecute. This process is completely free of charge. 

    “We provide free and quality service at OPD to people that are violated  and the vulnerables.

    “Our mandate principally is to provide legal representation to the indigent and vulnerable in the society and women and the child are considered as vulnerables members of the society.

    “Even people that are living with disabilities are vulnerable members of the society. People who have suffered abuse are vulnerable members of the society. We are here to ensure that everybody gets their rights and are protected and their dignity to be protected too.

    The OPD director lamented stigmatization of the victims of sexual violence.

    “This is why in our advocacy and sensitization ,  we are letting people know that if you don’t come out. other people are going to suffer the same fate. So, it is important for them to come out.

    Yes, there might be stigmatisation, there are other agencies of government that also carry out a form of counselling for people that goes through this phase so that they would be able to overcome it.

    “Stigmatisation is there, it would still be with us. But the person who have been affected needs to understand that “ it’s beyond you if you don’t say something”, other people will suffer.

    So, it is important for you to know that you can get over stigmatisation through counselling.

    Just speak out and it would reduce the menace of GBV in the society”, she said.

     On measures put in place to assist victims, she said her department counsel them adding “we have therapists, we have people and social workers  in-house who counsel them and let them understand that you may be afraid but there is succour for them. People who have gone through this trauma before are usually very scared. They deal with so much more than you may not be aware.” 

    She noted that some people pull out and that there must be a reason why they want to pull out adding “It may be because of threats, it may be because of personal trauma. We counsel them and we make them to understand that ‘its beyond you’.  The person will get away with this if you don’t speak out. That it is going to happen to other people as well if you don’t speak out.

    We try to encourage them to follow up with the process. and a lot of them they usually comply. 

     Asked where victims can report sexual violence, she said the OPD has seven centres in Lagos as and annexes.

    “Any victim can walk into these agencies regardless of whether you are a Lagosian or not, as long as you reside in Lagos state, you can walk into any of these centre and as long as you are an indigent because we believe that it is for those who cannot have legal representation and vulnerable.

    “We have offices in Ajah, Epe, Ikorodu, Ajegunle, Ogba,  as annexes are in Agege and Alimosho and headquarters in Surulere.” 

  • Wheels of Justice as Pyrates celebrate 70 years

    Wheels of Justice as Pyrates celebrate 70 years

    When the stage opened last weekend at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, it was clear that the play was written to refresh the history of Pyrates Confraternity, the Seadogs. Written by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, Wheels of Justice situates the reasons he and his gang formed the group in 1952. The play is bright, diligent and delightfully punchy. Edozie Udeze who watched the play writes on the lessons and sentiments thrown open in the play and lots of issues pertaining to Nigerian nationhood.

    IT was exactly seventy years ago. The year was 1952. The venue was the University College, Ibadan, now The University of Ibadan, Oyo State. The seven musketeers were undergraduates of the University College. Full of ideas and bubbling with unbridled energy, they refused to be mowed down by the English ideals infused into the social and cultural and academic lives of the students by the colonial masters and their cronies.
    The seven students were led by Wole Soyinka, an Abeokuta boy, an English major who was just 19 years of age. Soyinka and his colleagues were uncomfortable with the Englishness of the students in which one had to wear bow tie or jacket or Western habits within the campus. This irked them to their marrow. As a form of protest against such strange and foreign imposition, Soyinka assembled students of like minds. They came together, brainstormed and finally formed the Pyrates Confraternity otherwise known as the Seadogs. Thus, they pitched their tent against the University authority and all other norms and groups that were English in outlook, operation and nomenclature.
    History has it that these seven students also in their early 20s henceforth chose to lead a different social life style on campus. They formed a group that believed in keeping afloat the local habits of the people. No more eating with cutleries. No more wearing of ties to classes under the hot and unbearable Ibadan weather (for this actually some local Ibadan people fell in love with them). No more speaking of English in borrowed foreign accent. No more adopting of English language as the only language of communication or conversation on campus.
    Henceforth, they decreed in their codes that local songs and dances would be used to celebrate the confraternity and the issue of guerrilla style would be officially applied to questions and objections to the obnoxious principles of the colonial lecturers on campus. Thus, the scene was created by Soyinka and company to start a fresh era on campus where students were free to live their natural life.
    From the beginning, the Pyrates was made to be an action force given to guerrilla style and tactics. With this they were able to effect their demands. In the beginning also the question of what name to adopt by the group was a bit knotty. But in the end it was agreed that Seadogs would be added to it as an appendage. And so the name stuck up till today. Last weekend at the Muson Centre, Lagos, guests, members of the confraternity, art enthusiasts, lovers of stage theatre, all, gathered to watch a play to celebrate the 70 years anniversary of the Seadogs.
    The evening was tagged an evening with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, featuring his latest drama-Wheels of Justice. Directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi of the University of Ibadan, the play has all the ingredients and trappings that eulogize the Pyrates and all they stand for. It laid clear the early years, the teething problems, the background and all that led to the formation. The play harps on the ideals of the Seadogs. It shows reasons why guerrilla approach is adopted by the group and why it has become a pressure group, more or less.
    It is a play full of metaphors, hyperboles and innuendos that applies dance drama to effect. The opening of the stage made it clear that the Pyrates like to gyrate a lot. “We celebrate our sailings and meetings with plenty of dances and songs”, the narrator, Nissi George announced as an opener. Dressed in their usual and familiar regalia of black trousers and white shirts with a sprinkle of red monkey jackets, the stage quickly came alive with a big teaser. The narrator bristled with everything Soyinka as he regaled himself in his usual bohemia and urbane life style. With the usual trademark of afro hair style and bushy beards, he elegantly strolled around the stage while drawing attention of the audience.
    As he strolled elegantly to and fro, he demonstrated in words and action why the formation of the group was apt and inevitable. “The white man came here and wanted to suffocate us with their life style. But we say no, this cannot happen in Africa”, George said. “And here we said no for we have our own life to live. We therefore stood opposed to everything British in manners and in habits”.
    Before the stage came truly alive there was a zoom conversation with Soyinka from his base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The session was handled by Olu Ajayi, master painter and colourist who is one of Soyinka’s protégés. Soyinka as usual handled questions on a number of issues-literature, social norms, and other cultural biases. For instance, Mr Sam Omatseye of The Nation Newspapers asked him why he has declared in an interview that henceforth he would be paying more attention to writing dramas as against prose and poetry. “Yes”, Soyinka enthused, “drama never ends. But in prose you have the liberty to exhaust all you have. I know more people love to read novels; the stories are stimulating. However, I have chosen to concentrate on plays because the story never ends. It goes on and on and on.
    “I respect those who have chosen to concentrate on prose as their medium. Novels are more elaborate; gives you more space to explore. It is also tasking. If you are lucky your prose can be translated into a film. But in drama you can interpret it on stage straight away. On stage you make the message stick, you reinvent issues in plays. Then the actors take over from there. Plays need constant interrogation of themes, ideas, issues and so on”.

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    As expected, his answers elucidated the necessary reactions from the audience, more so the Pyrates. Thus, the tone was set for an awesome evening of songs, dances, conversations all revolving around the tenets of Nigerian society, a society that defies all manner of definitions and solutions. With the stage constructed in form of a hostel where there is an opening decking on top, actors felt free with movements on stage and backstage. The simple nature of the building gave vent to the local ideals the Pyrates agitated for in those days at the University College. But more than that, the role of the narrator, one of Nigeria’s brightest stage crafts-masters enlivened the soul of the evening. As the hall wore bright hope of an evening of profound delight, the cast and crew tore through the lugubrious stages of social and political life of this nation.
    It shows where a system is systemically problematic, punctured and pessimistic. It shows where leaders are clownish and self-centered. It also shows how foolish and inordinate the followers are. It shows how the guerrilla tactics can be used effectively to make a case. References were made about Mau-Mau in Kenya and South African guerrilla led by Nelson Mandela that effected the desired changes in both societies. The play is on those funny tactics adopted by politicians to deceive and woodwink the populace. It shows how elections are rigged and how Nigerian leaders dodge appearances in court to face the law. So on and on, the actors ripped apart the cadre of idiocy in Nigeria in ways that only Soyinka’s plays can replicate. But above all, the dance drama aspect of the show rippled with fun. The dances hoover on the issues that trouble the land. The songs are like tremors, as they lampoon leadership, dissecting in the process a cosmetic political system. Nigeria is fraught with injustices, no doubt, where the law is meant only for the poor.
    Awosanmi who directed the play confessed that those elements of dances and songs are to help bring nearer home the whole import of guerrilla tactics. “We use songs to celebrate and disseminate certain information. The songs make communal life more bearable. The guerrilla messages are also passed across through these songs. Dances bring out our local beliefs and norms. We celebrate because we have reasons to. Yet, they do not remove the social issues embedded in the play itself rather they enhance them”.
    In making the play an Eldorado of sorts Awosanmi included some of his students, he spiced the cast with some of Nigeria’s best and tested stage master actors and actresses. With this combination coupled with the simplicity of the costumes, the play truly justified its Wheels of Justice. No doubt, the play loaded with pyratical anecdotes where you have siege, short gun, a little to the left and other metaphorical and hyperbolic slogans that help to define the confraternity. All of which harbor on the nation’s slow and confused movement in all spheres and where the judiciary is probably found wanting.