News

Falana Asks Court To Dismiss Charges Against Arraigned Minors

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2024

Editor

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged a federal high court in Abuja to dismiss charges against 76 protesters, including minors, involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement. These protesters face charges of treason and other related offenses.

During Friday’s proceedings, several minors among the defendants collapsed while waiting to be arraigned, leading to a chaotic scene in the courtroom. These individuals were arrested across various states, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.

The court set bail at N10 million for each defendant, while the prosecution requested that the charges be dismissed for those who collapsed. Falana, representing the defendants, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction over the case. He emphasized that, according to Section 18 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, Section 15 of the Child’s Rights Act, Section 2 of the Universal Basic Education Act, and Article 17 of the African Charter, minors should not be subjected to criminal trials.

Falana stated that both national and international laws protect the rights of these minors, calling on the government to fulfill its duty to provide for their education instead. He argued, “No child should be subjected to criminal proceedings. If a minor is alleged to have committed an offense, they should be handled within the child justice system.”

He further contended that certain charges against the protesters did not meet the requirements for an offense under Nigerian law. Falana noted that actions such as carrying placards that read “end bad government” or chanting revolutionary songs do not amount to a crime under Sections 416 and 114 of the Penal Code. He asserted that these charges are baseless under Sections 1, 3, 6, 36, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

Falana’s application also included a request for the federal government to pay the school fees of the minors through senior secondary or university education, in line with legal provisions such as the 1999 Constitution, the Child’s Rights Act, and the Universal Basic Education Act.

The arraignment of these minors has drawn widespread criticism from various groups, both within and outside Nigeria. Amnesty International condemned their detention, calling it a violation of legal rights and an indication of governmental disregard for the law. Additionally, prominent figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra governor Peter Obi, and ex-senator Shehu Sani have voiced their disapproval of the minors’ prosecution.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.