News

Administration of Criminal Justice: CLEEN FOUNDATION Set Up Observatory, Monitoring Group In Edo

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2023

Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Against the back drop of challenges affecting the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a civil society organisation, CLEEN FOUNDATION, on Wednesday established and launched a CSO observatory group aimed at monitoring the full implementation of the Act in Edo State.

The independent group set up is also expected to monitor the progress and challenges in the implementation of the ACJA , the state ACJL and the “compliance rate of the criminal justice actors to the unique provisions of the ACJA/state ACJL.”

In his opening remarks, Executive Director, CLEEN FOUNDATION, Mr. Gad Peter, said the group was set up as an advocacy for the full implementation of the laws which, according to him “is a critical step towards promoting transparency, accountability and rule of law in the state and country as a whole.”

Mr. Peter, represented by Mrs. Blessing Abiri, Programme Officer, CLEEN FOUNDATION, added that the group which composed of diverse range of stakeholders including civil society organizations, human rights groups, legal experts, and other relevant stakeholders, would also serve as “a platform for knowledge sharing and continuous learning on the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Edo state.”

He said: “We’ve been over time monitoring the implementation, and from the data we have from our past programmes similar to this, we discovered there is need to scale up the project, and this why we are in Edo State.

“We all know if the criminal justice system is not functioning well, there will be a problem.”

According to him, “… It will lay the foundation for more interaction and collaborative relationship amongst stakeholders in monitoring the implementation of the Criminal Justice Reform process in Edo state and ultimately improve the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria.

“With the launch of the CSO Observatory group, members will be capacitated on key thematic areas that would support it to deliver on their mandate.”

In his good will message, Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, described the coming of ACJA as a fresh air to the judiciary, adding that the Act made possible the innovative electronic taking of statement in police station.

The Chief Judge represented by Hon. Justice M.E. Itsueli, while commending CLEEN FOUNDATION for taking the bold step, urged stakeholders to work as a chain that cannot be easily broken.

He expressed the state judiciary readiness to partner with the stakeholders for the success of the group.

Also in his goodwill message, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, represented by Officer in Charge Legal Department, CSP Peter Ugwemba, while commending the Foundation, said the introduction of ACJA has speared the police of litigation against human rights violation, adding that the police in Edo is complying by the Act.

On her part, Adesuwa Ehimuan, Chairman, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State, urged the media to be more involved in enlightenment of the public on the act and also expose those perpetrating violence against women and children.

She also urged stakeholders to always involve the media in gender base violence GBV cases with a view to bringing such to the public notice, so it serves as a deterrent to others.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

8 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

9 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

9 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.