News

Falana Secures Release Of Abia Varsity Lecturer After Three Years Without Trial

Published

4 months ago

January 20, 2026

Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the prolonged detention of medical doctor and Abia State University lecturer, Dr Okechukwu Kenneth Nwafor, describing it as a flagrant violation of the Constitution and Nigeria’s criminal justice laws.

Falana disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit organised by the Uturu Development Association of Nigeria (UDAN) Worldwide to thank him for securing Nwafor’s release after more than three years in detention. He said the circumstances of the doctor’s incarceration represented a disturbing abuse of state power and a failure of due process.

According to Falana, no citizen should be arrested or detained without being informed of the reasons for the arrest, granted access to family members and legal counsel, or brought before a court within the time prescribed by law.
He said, “For the benefit of the media, this doctor was detained for over three years following his unlawful arrest. Under Nigerian law, you cannot keep a citizen in detention for such a period without trial, contact with family or access to a lawyer.”

He noted that Nwafor, a first-class graduate and university lecturer, was held without formal charge or trial, in clear breach of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and constitutional provisions guaranteeing personal liberty and human dignity.

The senior advocate stressed that the law requires law enforcement agencies to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and their right to legal representation before any statement is taken. He added that where a suspect volunteers a confessional statement, it must be video-recorded to prevent coercion and abuse.

Falana further explained that certain offences do not permit prolonged detention, stressing that no citizen should be held beyond 24 or 48 hours, depending on the availability of a court, without being charged.

He also condemned the widespread practice of extorting money from detainees, particularly during weekend arrests, reiterating that bail is free under Nigerian law.

“Bail is free in Nigeria. Nobody is permitted to demand money for bail. Any officer who does so is acting outside the law.”

Falana, however, announced plans for a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating citizens on their rights and empowering communities to challenge unlawful arrests and detentions.

According to him, lawyers would be mobilised to visit police stations regularly to monitor detention conditions and provide free legal assistance where necessary.

He therefore urged Nigerians to treat the protection of human rights as a collective responsibility and called on communities to activate human rights committees and report abuses by security agencies.

Earlier, the President-General of UDAN, Dr Chidi Slessor, and the association’s Secretary, Mr Titus Eleweke, expressed their gratitude to Falana for securing Nwafor’s release, describing his intervention as courageous and exemplary.

They said the prolonged detention of Nwafor, a former President-General of Uturu, had caused deep pain within the community, adding that Falana’s dogged pursuit of the case had restored the doctor’s liberty and renewed public confidence in the justice system.

UDAN also appealed to Falana to assist in securing the release of another indigene, Mr Nduka Onyeani, who was arrested on the same day as Nwafor and remains in detention.

In an emotional account of his ordeal, Nwafor alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed his home in the early hours of July 29, pointed guns at him in his bedroom, and whisked him away half-naked in the presence of his family.

He claimed he was beaten, blindfolded and tortured, accused of belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an allegation he denied, and later transferred to various detention facilities, including Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, where, he said, many detainees had spent years without trial.

“I kept praying every day because I didn’t know if I would come out alive,” he said.

Nwafor expressed profound gratitude to Falana, saying the lawyer’s intervention saved his life and restored his freedom.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
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.

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.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.