News
ActionAid Demands Justice For Journalists Killed In Pursuit Of Truth

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2023 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, IDEI, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Wednesday, demanded justice for journalists killed in pursuit of truth.
The demand was in a statement signed by the Country Director, AAN, Andrew Mamedu, whose 2023 commemoration focused on violence against journalists.
According to Mamedu, media workers faced unlawful detention, harassment, or physical assaults while diligently covering Nigeria’s presidential and federal elections.
Every year since 2013, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) has served as a poignant reminder of the Journalists who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
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He said, ‘‘ActionAid Nigeria stands in solemn remembrance of the Journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.
“The commemoration of the observance this year focuses on violence against Journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership. We reiterate our commitment to press freedom, and we raise our voice against the peril of impunity for crimes committed against Journalists.
“This year marked a significant general election, during which at least 14 Journalists and media workers faced unlawful detention, harassment, or physical assaults while diligently covering Nigeria’s presidential and federal elections. Days leading up to the polls were marred by further incidents, including attacks and unjust denial of access for Journalists covering election preparations.
“The demolition of the DAAR Communication building in Rivers State was another blatant assault on press freedom and an affront to democratic principles. These incidents starkly underscore the challenges Journalists face in their mission to inform the public.
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“Regrettably, Nigeria is yet to witness the kind of just resolution for Journalists as exemplified by the landmark Amakiri v. Iwowari case of 1973. Tragically, cases like the killing of Precious Owolabi of channels TV, Bolade Fasasi of NAWOJ, Zakariya Isa of NTA, the infamous Dele Giwa’s murder, killing of Tordue Salem of Vanguard newspaper, Pelumi Onifade, reportedly killed by officials of the Nigerian police during the #EndSARS protests, and many others, remain unresolved.
He also lamented that, “These incidents highlight a grim pattern where perpetrators of such heinous acts against Journalists go unapprehended, unprosecuted, and unpunished.
“We have also seen repeated cases of public officers being the perpetrators of these crimes against Journalists, such as the Agba Jalingo case where he was denied the chance to exercise his constitutional right to request bail on allegations of defaming a relative of a sitting governor.
“There have been instances where security officers from a state government house assaulted Journalists from Channels TV and Daily Post.
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“It is appalling that public office holders, particularly state governments, are among the major perpetrators of crimes against Journalists.”
He (Mamedu) called on President Bola Tinubu and State Governors to investigate and prosecute those who have violated journalists across the country in order to end the impunity.
“ActionAid Nigeria demands that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all State Governors take a bold step to order an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into these incidents, with a fervent call for accountability.
“Such executive action would demonstrate the administration’s clear stand against impunity for crimes against Journalists and create a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the government’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the rights of Journalists.
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“The protection and well-being of Journalists are not negotiable; they form the bedrock of a free, informed, and democratic society.”
He also cautioned that, “As Nigeria approaches other off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States, the States’ government and security agencies must prioritise the safety and protection of Journalists covering the electoral activities.
“It is imperative that Journalists are afforded unimpeded access to cover election proceedings, safeguarding the principles of a free and informed electorate.’’
VANGUARD
News
Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.
Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.
“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.
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He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.
According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.
Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.
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He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.
One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.
He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
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Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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