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FG Inaugurates Committee Against Torture

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Worried by the increasing cases of torture in Nigeria, the Federal Government has inaugurated the National Committee Against Torture.

The government said the decision was aimed at eliminating torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in the country.

Members of the newly reconstituted committee were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Justice; National Human Rights Commission; Nigeria Police Force; Legal Aids Council; Nigeria Correctional Service; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Department of State Services; Nigerian Army; Nigerian Bar association among others.

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, while performing the inauguration, stated that the committee was expected to play a crucial role in stamping out torture and other related vices, and to ensure justice to survivors and victims.

READ ALSO: Engineer Stabs Wife, Son For Refusing To Return Home After Torture

A statement issued on Saturday by the Deputy Director (Public Relations and External Linkages) in the NHRC, Hajiya Fatima Agwai, said Malami observed that poor funding was the challenge of the previous committee, adding that the provision of adequate funding to ease the work of the committee has become imperative.

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According to the minister, in as much as the committee has been given a broad mandate to deal with issues of torture in the country in accordance with the United Nations Convention Against Torture, “it is at liberty to seek more areas to dwell if the need arises, considering the critical nature of this national assignment.”

He said, “The AGF said that the Committee is empowered to liaise with the National Human Rights Commission in discharging its mandate, especially in the area of visits to Correctional Service facilities, to enable it to have first-hand information on the condition of inmates.”

The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Chairperson of the NCA, Beatrice Agba, on behalf of other members, commended the AGF for reconstituting the committee.

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She assured the AGF of the committee’s commitment to satisfactorily implement the terms of reference, particularly with respect to providing timely statutory reports as required under UNCAT and working with renewed vigour towards fighting against the scourge.

The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who also doubles as the alternate chair of the committee said the idea of NHRC hosting the committee (Secretariat) was in line with international best practices, given that it brings credibility to the work of the committee.

READ ALSO: Court Fines Delta SDP Guber Candidate, Kenneth Gbagi For Stripping, Torturing Hotel Staff

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He recalled that visits to Correctional Service facilities and other detention centres were one of the major challenges of the previous committee, saying that leveraging on the powers of the NHRC to visit such facilities would be highly beneficial to the committee.

The NHRC CEO emphasized the need for the committee to collaborate with relevant MDAs, Nigerian Bar Associations and civil society organizations to identify and escalate complaints of torture so as to facilitate timely redress of these cases by the committee.

The committee’s terms of reference included “To engage and liaise with Committee Against Torture and regional human rights mechanisms in the context of country reporting, interactive dialogue or facilitation of visits by special procedure mandate holders or the Subcommittees on the Prevention of Torture.

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“To organize and facilitate the preparation of reports to CAT and regional human rights mechanisms, and of responses to communication, follow up questions and recommendations or decisions received from such mechanisms.

“To coordinate data collection and information gathering from government agencies, National Assembly and the Judiciary for the reporting and follow up.

“To foster and lead consultations for reporting and follow up with the National Human Rights Commission and CSOs.

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“To receive and consider communications on torture from individuals, CSOs and government institutions.

READ ALSO: ‘My Husband, His Brothers Beat Me While Naked’

“To ensure education and information regarding the prohibition against torture are fully included in the training of law enforcement and public officers.

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“To prepare quarterly briefings to the AGF on cases of torture and propose appropriate administrative/Judicial intervention.

“Propose a review of Anti-Torture Legislation and further develop a National Anti-Torture Policy.”

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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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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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

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.”

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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

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

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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.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

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.

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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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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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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.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

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.”

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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.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

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.

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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.

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