Law & Crime
HURIWA tasksFG on Tragic Death of Arise TV Anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu
By George Mgbeleke
Civil rights advocacy group: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a brilliant young lawyer and rising anchor on Arise TV. Her untimely demise is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that plague our nation. The story of her death is a harrowing one, and it is a damning indictment of the systems that are supposed to protect and serve us, citing Section 14. (2)(b) of the Nigerian constitution, which states that, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
Somto’s death is a wound that cuts deeply into the conscience of our nation. Hoodlums invaded her apartment, killing the security man who stood his ground. In fear and desperation, Somto leapt from her storey-building to escape the violence, sustaining injuries in the process. She was rushed to a hospital in Maitama, Abuja, where she was met with bureaucratic indifference. The hospital insisted on a police report before treatment, and in that cruel wait, as life ebbed away, Nigeria killed her.
In the media statement by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA condemns in the strongest terms the negligence of the hospital staff, which undoubtedly contributed to her death. The hospital’s insistence on a police report before treatment is a clear indication of the systemic rot that pervades our healthcare system.
Many deaths, according to reports, have occurred due to the lack of presentation of a police report by victims. It is a system that elevates procedure above humanity, and it is a system that needs to be changed. The Chief Medical Director of Maitama hospital should be held accountable and sacked immediately for the glaring incompetence that led to Somto’s demise.
Furthermore, we express outrage at the police’s failure to provide assistance when invited to take Somto to the hospital, citing lack of fuel. This is an unacceptable dereliction of duty, and those responsible should face consequences. The police’s failure to respond effectively in emergencies is a clear indication of the need for reform and restructuring. We call on IGP, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun and demand that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped to respond effectively in emergencies.
Somto’s death is not just a tragedy; it’s a symptom of a broader systemic rot. It is a rot that pervades our healthcare system, our law enforcement agencies, and our government. It is a rot that needs to be addressed, and it is a rot that needs to be changed. We demand that the government take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that hospitals prioritize saving lives over procedure. Moreover, there is a binding law that obliged hospitals and doctors to treat even victims of gunshot injuries without waiting for police report.
HURIWA joins the nation in mourning the loss of this gifted daughter, lawyer, and journalist. Somto was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated broadcaster at AriseTV, whose professionalism and poise endeared her to colleagues and viewers alike. Her memory should serve as a rallying point for Nigerian journalists to uphold the values she lived by integrity, excellence, and service to society.
We cannot continue to live in a society where human life is cheap and where institutions fail to protect and serve us. We demand better, and we demand change.
As we reflect on Somto’s life and legacy, we are reminded of the countless individuals who have lost their lives due to systemic failures and institutional neglect. We are reminded of the need for a healthcare system that prioritizes saving lives over procedure. We are reminded of the need for law enforcement agencies that are equipped to respond effectively in emergencies.
HURIWA reiterates our demand for justice and accountability in Somto’s case. We demand that the government take immediate action to address the systemic failures that led to her death. We demand that the hospital and law enforcement agencies take responsibility for their actions.
May Somto’s memory be a blessing to us all, and may her legacy inspire us to build a better Nigeria for all.
Law & Crime
Lifu Judgement : ADC Guber Candidates Forum Seeks Int. Community’s Intervention
By Grorge Abuja
As the awaits the outcome of Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment invalidating Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ( ADC), a Forum of the African Democratic Congress gubernatorial candidates has condemned the ruling and sought the intervention of International community.
Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ,Abuja had in its judgment invalidated Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The Forum had at a Press Conference on thursday at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja , described the judgment as a dangerous assault on multi party democracy and a threat to Nigetian’ s 2027 electoral process.
A former member of the house of Representatives and ADC kwara state gubernatorial candidates, Hon Zakari Mohammed who spoke on behalf of the forum urged the international Community to monitor the development and process leading to the 2027 general election.
He said ” We Call on the International Community, African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations, Commonwealth and Democratic Institutions Worldwide to Intervene Against the Growing Threat to Opposition Politics in Nigeria.
Distinguished members of the press, fellow Nigerians, representatives of the international community, ladies and gentlemen.
We address you today on behalf of the Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates across Nigeria, at a defining moment in the history of our democracy.
“We are compelled to speak out against the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under that leadership,
This judgment has profound implications beyond the internal affairs of the ADC. It raises fundamental questions about judicial consistency, political participation, the independence of democratic institutions and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“We consider the decision a grave assault on democratic freedoms and a development capable of destabilising the 2027 electoral process if its implications are not urgently addressed through lawful constitutional remedies.
“We hereby formally draw the attention of the international community to the unfolding developments in Nigeria.
We call on:
The United Nations Secretary-General and relevant democratic institutions of the United Nations.
The African Union Commission and its Peace and Security Council.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Commonwealth Secretariat.
The European Union and European Parliament.
The United States Government and the United Kingdom Government.
International human rights organisations and democracy-monitoring institutions.
International election observation organisations.
“We urge these institutions to closely monitor developments surrounding opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We specifically call on them to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the relevant Nigerian authorities on the need to guarantee political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for all political parties.
“We are not inviting foreign governments to dictate Nigeria’s political choices or interfere in the legitimate judicial process.
Rather, we are asking the international community to uphold the democratic commitments Nigeria has voluntarily undertaken and to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens to participate in free and competitive elections are protected.
Nigeria cannot sign international democratic instruments, make commitments to democratic governance and subsequently treat those obligations as ceremonial documents”
The Forum called on the appellate courts to urgently examine the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu and determine the issues raised in accordance with the Constitution, established judicial precedents and the rule of law.
It urged President Tinubu to create the environment that will guarantee free participation than harassment and muzzling of the opposition .
“You cannot demand democratic legitimacy while allowing an environment in which opposition parties face persistent uncertainty over their ability to organise and contest elections.
If you seek another mandate, face the Nigerian people.
Present your achievements, defend your policies and submit yourself to the judgment of the electorate.
That is the essence of democracy.
The opposition is not an enemy of Nigeria. Political disagreement is not treason. Competition for public office is not an act of hostility against the state”
Law & Crime
Niger Police Assures FUT Minna of Enhanced Security
BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA
The Niger State Police Command has assured the management of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, of sustained police patrols and enhanced security around the university to protect students, staff and property.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, gave the assurance when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adamu Faruk Kuta, and his entourage during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-kura, Minna.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Police for their prompt response to distress calls and security requests, as well as their continued support in maintaining safety within and around the university environment.
Professor Kuta said the institution, which is approaching its 44th anniversary, has a growing population of about 40,000 students from different parts of the country, making sustained collaboration with the Police necessary to ensure the safety of students, staff and university facilities.
He disclosed that the university had recently commenced medical programmes and sought the support of the Police Command in providing opportunities for students to undertake practical training where necessary.
The Vice-Chancellor also praised the commitment and visibility of police patrol teams around the institution, while requesting sustained and increased deployment to address security challenges associated with its growing population.
Responding, CP Elleman described the university’s requests as part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the institution.
He assured the Vice-Chancellor of improved collaboration, sustained police presence and enhanced patrols around the university, particularly at night, to protect students engaged in legitimate academic activities and prevent criminal activities.
The Commissioner urged the university management to promptly report security concerns to the Police, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to respond appropriately.
He further assured the delegation that all the requests presented would receive adequate attention, while expressing appreciation for the visit and reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the university management.
Law & Crime
Suspected cultists kill rival member in Bayelsa, hid his mutilated corpse in a sack
By David Owei,Bayelsa
There was a sense of horror in Yenagoa, the Bayelsà following the suspected cultists killing of a rival and his his mutilated corpse in a sack.
The sack containing the mutilated body of the victim, according to sources, was dropped in front of the FCMB bank located at Obele junction in the outskirts of the State capital.
The incident according to sources occured on Monday night and the Corpse was discovered on Tuesday Morning.
The killing of the deceased has again threatened the peace recorded under the present leadership of the Police led by Commissioner Ajao Saka Adewale.
Investigation by our correspondent gathered that the deceased, whose identity is yet to be known, was reported to have defected from the notorious cult group, Greenlanders to rival notorious group known as Bobos.
And was accused to have led members of his new group on a “proof of loyalty,” to allegedly attack and kill a member of his former group at the back of Amarata.
It was gathered that suspected members of the Greenlanders were allegedly provoked and reportedly lures him out with a woman and death him several deadly matchet cuts.
Some Residents of the Obele area confirmed to newsmen that the Corpse of the deceased was kept carefully in a sack soaked in blood and left by the FCMB bank.
Concerned Youths and vigilante group contacted the police and the sack was evacuated.
In the last three days after the discovery of the bagged corpse, residents of the Sand Road, Aritalin, GweGwe and Obele streets have been thrown into restless nights due to the activities of the rival cult groups searching for one another.
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