Singer, Abdulazeez Fashola, alias Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite, Samson Eletu, alias Sam Larry, have been granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos State.
They, however, have to provide three sureties with a sum of N20 million to process their release. The magistrate had ordered the remand of Naira Marley and Sam Larry in police custody for 21 days over the death of 27-year-old Mohbad who died earlier in September.
The magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun told the defendants to submit their passports and ordered that they are to report weekly to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.
In her ruling, Olatunbosun stated: “As part of the bail conditions, the defendants are to surrender their passports and make weekly appearances at the State Criminal Investigation Department.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has accepted the judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.
Obi, however, said the judgment would not signify the end of the Obidient movement.
The former Anambra state governor said with the legal battle over, the Labour Party was now in opposition.
He said his resolve for a new Nigeria was still intact.
Obi broke his silence on the Supreme Court judgment at a news conference on Monday, November 6, in Abuja.
At the 2023 MTV EMAs, Rema won the award for the Best African act after fending off competition from others superstars including Davido and Burna Boy.
Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj were the highest winners as they won 3 awards respectively. The 2023 MTV EMAs ceremony which was scheduled for Paris has earlier been cancelled for what organizers said was a cautionary measure to protect all those who would be travelling down from different parts of the world in light of the situation between Israel and Palestine.
… commends Governor Soludo on “One Youth Two Skills” initiative
An industrialist, Mr. Don Ebubogu, has expressed optimism that the “One Youth Two Skills” initiative of Governor Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration will produce more skilled workforce that can boost staff strength of many industries operating in and even outside the state.
Speaking when some members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council embarked on facility tour of his company; as part of activities marking the 2023 NUJ Press Week, Mr. Ebubogu, who is the Managing Director of Tiger Foods Limited, said though over 800 persons are already in the employ of the company, more are still needed to increase production and distribution capacities.
Aside shortage of skilled workforce, the Tiger Foods boss identified other challenges facing manufacturing industries to include lack of infrastructure, high cost of production, insecurity, among others, but said that the gains are more.
He said that the fact that over 80 percent of truckloads of “fast-moving” consumer goods that enter the Southeast through Bridge Head Onitsha on daily basis go back empty should challenge more people to see existing gap and consider establishing manufacturing industries in order to create employment opportunities and improve the economy of the state and the nation at large.
On staff welfare, Mr. Ebubeogu said the company, aside demonstrating humanity and safety consciousness at work, including routine health checks, also introduced pension scheme, where staff contribute 5% and management contribute 7%, to ensure that workers save for the future, have sense of commitment and run the company as family business.
On nature and quality of products, Mr Ebubeogu, a trained Food Technologist from the Institute of Food Technology, Chicago, United States of America, said the company blends contemporary and local materials to produce tastes that appeal to both local and international customers, adding that presently, the company is exporting finished products to Ghana and other African countries, and is making in-road to Europe.
Recalling how the company started from their mother’s “Mama put” business in Port Harcourt to become one of the leading indigenous food processing and beverage company in Nigeria, Mr. Ebubogu said Tiger Foods Limited is motivated by the passion for healthy foods to produce a range of spices, seasonings and drinks such as ginger, garlic, thyme and currie powder, tomato mix, and mayonnaise.
The company, according its boss, also produces other products in the line of beverages and herbs such as soft drinks, energy, alcoholic, and spirit including Tiger energy drink, nine herbal drinks, among others.
He said the company is pleased to partner the Anambra State Council of NUJ in sensitizing citizens on the need to make valuable contributions for the good of the society.
In his remark, the Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, thanked Mr. Ebubogu for his determination to keep the company running despite daunting challenges, adding that the company has helped in creating jobs for the unemployed and improving Anambra State and Nigeria economy.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has endeared himself to a pro-Biafran group, Biafra Defacto Customary Government, BDFCG, following recent security operation that reportedly led to the discovery of approximately 80 butchered human bodies, 20 headless bodies, and numerous other decomposing human remains at the Lokpanta Cattle Market.
The group, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, said it is pleased that Governor Otti has stood up to be counted in the comity of visionary leaders by providing the needed leadership within a short period in office.
It called for the continuation of the operations, as informants point to other deadly locations where kidnap victims are dismembered, and many of girls subjected to all kinds of animalistic treatment by killer herdsmen.
In line with its previous statement tittled, “Open Grazing Belongs to the 16th Century: Must Be Stopped in Biafraland”, the group reminded Governor Otti that the nefarious activities of the killer herdsmen cannot be curtailed if anti-open grazing laws are not enforced to the letter, and modern ranches are not set up to accommodate genuine farmers in cattle rearing.
BDFCG equally called on all state governments to immediately enforce the anti-open grazing law, urging the states that have not yet passed the bill submitted by the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) into law to do so without further delay, warning that judgment day is fast approaching.
The statement reads:
BDFCG Commends Gov Alex Otti On Lokpanta Cattle Market Operations, Calls For More Decisive Actions
1. The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Biafrans across Nigeria, especially those residing in Biafraland.
2. It is on this note that the Biafra De Facto Customary Government applauds the patriotic actions of Gov. Alex Otti in unraveling and demystifying the daredevils masquerading as Fulani herdsmen in Abia State, precisely at the Lokpanta Cattle Market. In just a single operation, special security agencies, working under the strict instruction of Governor Alex Otti, unearthed approximately 80 butchered human bodies, 20 headless bodies, and numerous other decomposing human remains. This is most inhuman and barbaric, to say the least.
3. BDFCG is pleased that Gov. Otti has stood up to be counted in the comity of visionary leaders by providing the needed leadership within a short period in office. We believe that the operations will continue as our informants point to other deadly locations where victims of kidnapping are dismembered, and many of our beautiful girls are subjected to all kinds of animalistic treatment by these killer herdsmen.
4. BDFCG had previously issued a press statement dated September 12, 2023, with the title “Open Grazing Belongs to the 16th Century: Must Be Stopped in Biafraland.” In line with this statement, Gov. Otti is reminded that the nefarious activities of these killer Fulani herdsmen cannot be curtailed if anti-open grazing laws are not enforced to the letter, and modern ranches are not set up to accommodate genuine farmers in cattle rearing.
5. BDFCG supports the decisive actions of Gov. Alex Otti to dismantle the Lokpanta kidnappers’ den and urges other state Governors within Biafraland to ensure that these illegal encampments are eradicated to safeguard the lives and property of our people. We firmly believe that security and lawfulness should be the cornerstone of our society.
6. We reiterate our call for the Abia State Government to take total control of the Lokpanta Cattle Market area, which has been illegally transformed into a crime center. The Lokpanta Cattle Market has morphed into a center for kidnappers, where negotiations and ransom-sharing take place. Unfortunately, the settlers have unlawfully expanded the settlement without the consent of the landowners or the state government. The transformation of Lokpanta into an illegal “Ruga” settlement, a human slaughter slab, and an ungoverned space is a dire situation that demands immediate attention. The market has become a magnet for bandits from the North who relocate to the South-East to continue their kidnapping for ransom, with criminal herdsmen joining them.
7. We call on all state governments to immediately enforce the anti-open grazing law. For those states that have not yet passed the bill submitted by the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) into law, they should do so without further delay, as judgment day is fast approaching.
8. The Biafra De Facto Customary Government stands unwaveringly in support of these actions and remains committed to the security, prosperity, and progress of Biafraland.
Awka-based Social Critic and Public Affair Analyst, Emmanuel Azowue, has accused some Nigeria dailies of availing their platforms for deceiving and misinforming the public.
Reacting to a story on Daily Independent of Daily Independent newspaper of Tuesday, October 31 2023, and headline on the front page of the Daily Sun newspaper of Wednesday, November 1 2023 which reads: “Ukpo community wins as Supreme court resolves protracted land tussle with Abba” Azowue said there are strong indications that the dailies were out for mischiefs.
He clarified that the recent Supreme court judgement was on solely on Abagana/Ukpo land dispute, and did not by any stretch involve Abba, alleging that the newspapers and their writers were deliberate on publishing falsehood with intents to puncture the psychology and fighting spirit of the people of Abba community, as well as misleading Nigerians and the world that the Supreme Court had decided on the case between Abba and Ukpo communities”.
Giving history of the Abba/Ukpo land dispute; leading to the Supreme Court ordering for the retrial of the case, as was also interpreted by an Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the Anambra State Government under former Governor Willie Obiano, the concerned critic noted that the Abba/Ukpo land matter “is still before the Supreme Court”, and asked the management of Daily Sun to get prepared for a legal showdown.
Below is the opinion piece 👇, just as there’s right to reply.
RE: SUPREME COURT ENDS ANAMBRA LAND DISPUTE
In a news report by the Independent Newspaper, published on 31st October 2023 and written by one Benneth Joshua had it that the Supreme Court had on Tuesday dismissed the lingering dispute between Abagana and Ukpo communities, but the writer must have been wrongly informed as he held that both Abagana and Ukpo are communities in Dunukofia LGA in Anambra state, but the true information is that Abagana is in Njikoka LGA, while Ukpo is in Dunukofia LGA, all in Anambra State.
In the third paragraph of the report, the writer allowed himself to be used to deceive and misinformed the general public as he wrote that, “It will be recalled that the Abagana, Abba and Ukpo communities land dispute had been decided by the Supreme Court in favour of Ukpo Community in an earlier judgment”, but the truth is that at no time was there any joint land dispute case between Abagana, Abba and Ukpo communities, hence the position of Benneth Joshua becomes questionable and only suggested that he had been bought over to publish falsehood with the intent to deceive and mislead Nigerians and the world that the Supreme Court had decided on the case between Abba and Ukpo communities which is still before the Supreme Court.
And to further confirm that Benneth Josua was a writer paid to write his story in favour of Ukpo community with the intent to puncture the psychology and fighting spirit of the people of Abba community, he sort the view of a supposed acclaimed media consultant to Ukpo community, one Mr. Ikechi Victorson without attempting to hear from the people of Abba as to have a balance and objective reporting on the matter.
The acclaimed media consultant from Ukpo community, Mr. Ikechi Victorson went ahead to argue that, “In about two of the cases filed by the litigants from the communities, the judges struck out the cases in favour of the Ukpo community up to the level of the Court of Appeal. He went further to claim that, “In one of such judgments in a similar case assigned to the High Court in Neni Judicial Division, the Abba community case was decided in favour of Ukpo community”. “In that instance, the Judge held that the matter had been decided by the Supreme Court and that no other court in the country has the right to adjudicate on the matter as it has already been ruled upon by the Apex court…”
IKechi Victorson concluded that, “Today’s judgment by Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court has put an end to the rigorous practiced strategy of resurrecting the same case under different guise in various courts”.
A further desperation of the people of Ukpo was demonstrated when they got Daily Sun Newspaper to publish a malicious and deceptive headline in their newspaper reading: Ukpo Community wins as Supreme Court Resolves Protracted Land Tussle with Abba. But before addressing the deceptive and misinformed move of Benneth Joshua and Ikechi Victorson, I will want the management of Daily Sun to get prepared for a legal showdown with Abba community for allowing its media outlet to be used to publish false news against the people of Abba which has a damaging psychological effect on the peace and law abiding people of the community. And they should also be ready to give the same headline publicity retracting this malicious news published in their newspaper.
Done with that, I will love to educate the ignorance mind of Benneth Joshua and Ikechi Victorson in order to set the issue under contention straight as not to deceive the general public into believing the falsehood being promoted by these deceitful duo – Benneth Joshue and Ikechi Victorson whose sole intent is to muddle up the decided Supreme Court issue between Abagana and Ukpo, with that of Abba, Ukwulu and Ukpo that are separate cases and bears different claims by the disputants.
Recall that under the administration of Willie Obiano as the executive Governor of Anambra State, the people of Abba wrote a petition to the Governor regarding the illegal arrest, harassment and detention of their people by the Nigeria Police which was orchestrated by the Ukpo money bag, Prince Arthur Eze, who hinged his witch-hunt against the people of Abba on a purported ruling of the Supreme Court on the land dispute between the people of Abba, Ukwulu and UKpo communities, where he claimed that the land dispute between the three communities had been decided in favour of Ukpo, hence his encroachment into the land. To this end, Willie Obiano decided to constitute an Administrative Panel of Inquiry headed by Hon. Justice Chinenye Anigbogu (Rtd).
For the avoidance of doubt and distortion of facts on the land dispute matter between Abba and Ukwulu/Ukpo, the true interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment on the matter as was being clarified by the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government, headed by Hon. Justice Chinenye Anigbogu (Rtd) in the White Paper report stated inter alia:
Regarding Abba, Ukwulu and Ukpo, the panel found as fact that the judgment of the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC. 598.2016 in the consolidated suit: AA/53/75 & AA/11/77, Nwora Vs Nwabueze & others reported in (2019)7 NWLR. Pt. 1670. 1, which was brought to the notice of the panel did not address the issue of the ownership of the disputed land.
That the appeal by Abba to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court was for an order directing the Chief Judge of Anambra State to assign the case to another High Court Judge for the trial to start afresh and not on the ownership of the land because they couldn’t file an appeal over the ownership because of the records were lost.
That the Supreme Court, while dismissing the appeal for an order for the Chief Judge to re-assign the file for hearing de-novo, found that the judgment was unenforceable because of the loss of the record book. It therefore made some recommendations that the parties should go back to the trial court to sort the mess.
That in dismissing the appeal of Abba for the Supreme Court to order for a fresh hearing, the Supreme Court Per Paul Adamu Galumje JSC reading the lead judgment (p.32) said: “In the instant case that is in place, what I call ‘Force Major’ an unexpected occurrence which has the capacity to defeat even the enforcement of the judgment obtained at the trial court in the two consolidated suits. It follows therefore, if nothing is done, there will be a total failure of justice. The loss of the record of appeal is a factor that has in my view vitiated and rendered the judgment invalid. Is there a way of enforcing the judgment in the absence of the record of the case? This is what may unfold later. I think it is in the best interest of the parties to go back to the trial court to sort out the mess”.
That the standing court judgments and pending suits have not had any positive impact on the peaceful resolution of the disputes on all sides.
That with regard to the missing Court Records, a Report of the Panel of Inquiry set up by the Chief Judge and headed by the Hon. Justice P.A.C. Obidigwe, as he then was, dated 11/09/2006, was tendered before us. That the 109 page Report found as fact that the Record Books were actually lost in the Appeal section of the High Court and could not be found.
In line with the recommendation of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, the people of Abba community commenced a new legal process on the land dispute, and this process is today before the Supreme Court for a final determination and ruling. Hence, the people of Abba community were surprised when they got the malicious and false news in some lead national dailies that the Supreme Court had ruled on the land dispute issue between Abba, Ukwulu and Ukpo in favour of Ukpo community, when the matter that was ruled on presently was between Abagana and Ukpo communities.
This only suggests that Prince Arthur Eze and a hand full of his supporters from Ukpo community were out for a deceitful parade and action, aimed at deceiving the public that the Supreme Court has eventually ruled on the Abba, Ukwulu and Ukpo communities land dispute. Surprisingly, Ukwulu was never mentioned as one of the disputing parties in the land dispute, when originally the land dispute was between Abba and Ukwulu, and Ukpo was only a witness that only recently asked to be joined by the court as an interested and disputing party.
What this implies is that Ukpo community led by Prince Arthur Eze has concluded plans to exclude the people of Ukwulu as beneficiaries of the land if the ruling of the court goes in their favour, implying that all along Prince Arthur Eze has been deceiving Ukwulu and his people from Ukpo that they are collectively in a land dispute with Abba, when in truth, the present land dispute has been a battle between Abba and Prince Arthur Eze.
While the people of Abba are waiting patiently for the final ruling of the matter by the Supreme Court, it will be necessary to debunk the present malicious and deceitful news that has gone viral that the Supreme Court has actually ruled in the land dispute matter between Abba, Ukwulu and Ukpo. The general public should not be deceived into believing such false news as nothing of such took place, and this desperate misinformation only suggest that Prince Arthur Eze and his cohorts are scared of the possible outcome of the Abba and Ukwulu/Ukpo land dispute, hence his present deceptive move.
Azowue O. Emmanuel
Social Critic and Public Affair Analyst
Based in Awka, Anambra State
… as Odogwu, Onyido shine at grand finale of 2023 Anambra NUJ Press Week
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, has tasked media practitioners on the need to adopt pragmatic approach in journalism practice.
This, according to him, entails responsible use of media tools and platforms in addressing societal issues and promoting sustainable development.
Speaking at the 2023 Press Week, Media summit and Anambra NUJ Man of The Year Award ceremony organised by the Anambra State Council of the NUJ, Barr Okenwa said pragmatic approach in media practice will help effectively contribute in promoting state’s economic policies and agenda.
The APGA National Chairman who spoke on “Pragmatic Media practice as an antidote to sustainable development in a distressed economy: A focus on Anambra State”, maintained that collaborative efforts of the media plays a transformative role in shaping a sustainable future, and can help in ensuring a more prosperous Anambra.
Barrister Ezeokenwa urged media practitioners to leverage digital skills, embrace citizen journalism and collaborate with stakeholders in order to adapt and overcome limitations imposed by a distressed economy, which includes limited resources, censorship and political pressures.
This, he said, would help overcome challenges that can hinder the ability of the media to effectively advocate sustainable development.
Contributing, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, represented by the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Honourable Chuks Azotani, said government and the media should be having cordial working relationship in the interest of the masses, adding that the media should remain objective in their reportage in order to maintain their pride.
He assured that the state legislature will identify with NUJ programmes aimed at promoting the peace and progress of Anambra State, as well as welfare of journalists.
On his part, the Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, called on media practitioners to be more serious in their jobs for the good of the society, noting that nothing in life subsists without the media.
The Chairman of the event and the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Chinyere Okunna, had in her opening remarks said the Press Week offered journalists opportunities to touch lives in special ways, adding that ethics remains the cornerstone of journalism.
Anambra State Chairman of the NUJ, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and Chairman of the Planning Committee of the event, Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku said journalists will continue to diligently serve the interest of the masses while maintaining friendships, adding that the event was designed to remind journalists that they are still the watchdog of the society.
At the event organised by the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Obinna Odogwu of Daily Sun won the 2023 Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna Prize for Ethical Journalism, while the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido won the 2023 NUJ the man of the year award.
Reacting, Mr Odogwu said the award would spur him to do more for the good of the society.
Earlier, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, represented by the Vice President, Southeast, Comrade Emma Ifesinachi, called on the political class and corporate organizations to ensure they engage professional journalists to man their media outfits, saying that Anambra has a crop of trained and professional journalists.
He equally called for institution of trust funds to encourage journalists in their job.
The Biafra Defacto Customary Government, BDFCG, has made a clarion call to Biafrans in Imo State, urging them to make a difference now by their active participation and representation in the November 11th gubernatorial election.
Not discounting all lawlessness involved, the group also called on citizens to defend their vote to the best of their ability.
Speaking through the Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, BDFCG said it remains committed to championing the rights of Biafran people, and above all, the participation and representation of Biafrans in the governance of the occupied territories or states of Biafran, including present day Imo State, adding that achievihg a just and equitable society where all humanity, comity of nations and Biafrans can thrive in harmony remains the vision.
“We say no to disfranchisement. Vote and be voted in any political election conducted by Nigeria or Biafra. Most importantly, defend your vote”
One attempt to adulterate the name ‘Biafra De Facto Customary Government’ by certain individuals with their group in pursuit of misguided agenda of violence and deceit, BDFCG clearly stated that these individuals do not represent the group, and that their actions do not align with BDFCG patriotic legacies which its present course is in pursuit of.
“We categorically State that currently we are Biafrans by customary identity and Nigerians by ‘real politik’; hence, our present status of ‘de facto’ for the restoration of Biafra legal status in quiescence within the comity of nations. This indispensable clarification of the BDFCG name is directed to rebuke any attempt to tarnish BDFCG reputation and undermine her legitimate cause”.
“The BDFCG is known within the comity of nations as quiescent and by the Nigerian government for her challenging activism in advocating for the self-determination of the Biafran people through peaceful and lawful means. We have consistently championed the rights of the Biafran people, promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for the rule of law”.
“The BDFCG firmly believes in the power of peaceful dialogue and nonviolent means to resolve conflicts and secure the self-determination of the Biafran people. We reject any association with violence, criminality, or dehumanization of any kind and deceitfully violent imposed actions that scuttle the lives of our people that have for long been pushed to extreme test and challenges”.
“The unfortunate ongoing mayhem in certain parts of Biafran Provinces, now known as Imo State, has created an unlivable and ungovernable environment that has nothing to do with the Biafran course for freedom and justice. It is deeply regrettable that innocent citizens have been displaced and forcibly relocated due to the activities of these so-called agitators, who have turned those places in Imo State into a hub for criminals”.
Noting that the course of Biafra restoration collides with Nigeria ‘politicking’ represented by desperate politicians in pursuit of personal gains, the group said the upcoming November 11 gubernatorial election in Imo State will not be an exception, but called on relevant authorities, particularly Biafrans, to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and security in the affected areas of Imo State.
“The BDFCG remains committed to pursuing its objectives through peaceful and lawful means. We will continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness of the Biafran people’s legitimate aspirations, engage in constructive dialogue, and advocate for the protection of their rights”.
It appreciated ongoing support of friends, well-wishers and the international community who recognize commitment to a peaceful and just resolution for the restoration of the Republic of Biafra, adding that together and peacefully, the present challenges can be surmounted for a better future for the Biafran people.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University workers trooped out in their thousands to decide who would run the affairs of University Workers Cooperative in the next two years. Our Reporter witnessed the actual voting and can confirm that the election was keenly contested and was free,fair and most credible. At the end of the voting , Comrade Emeka Egwuatu of the Bursary Department emerged the President of the Cooperative with a total vote of 1089 votes to defeat Telvin Anyali of the Registry unit who polled 505 votes and Dr. George Oguejiofor of the Department of Chemical Engineering who settled for 33 votes at the just concluded extraordinary congress of the UWMCS held on Tuesday, 31st October 2023 at the UWMCS arena.
Dr Olisa Maduka of Economics Department was elected the Secretary of the University Cooperative polling a total of 1287 votes to seal off the challenge of Comrade Ofuebe who polled 358 votes.
In other results, Veteran broadcaster, Chigozie Chukwuleta of UNIZIK FM Radio retired her opponent Dr. Valentine Nwobodo from Applied Biochemistry polling a total of 940 votes to emerge as the Assistant Secretary General against 635 votes from her opponent.
Dr. Gloria Nwakaego of the Department of Mass Communication emerged as the Vice-President polling a total of 721 votes to defeat Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu of Human Biochemistry and Engr. Dr. Ifeyinwa Chidum of Electronics and Computer Engineering who polled 533 and 350 votes respectively.
The position of treasurer went Dr. Amaka Agbata of Accountancy Department who polled 825 votes to see off Olisaemeka Obi-Okoye of Bursary who polled 625 votes, Dr. Cletus Nwofia of Centre for Communication Development with 625 votes and Comrade Onyebuchi Charles Ike with 36 votes.
Ogochukwu Christiana Nduka emerged unopposed as the Financial Secretary and Mr. Chukwukaelo Bonny Nwogbo who also emerged unopposed as the Ex-Officio.
Enugu state government has started a clamp down on unapproved orphanage homes and brothels used as conduits for human trafficking in the state.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, disclosed this during an advocacy meeting he held with the Enugu Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Sam Offiah, vowed to expose and prosecute the owners of such facilities. He reiterated his commitment to prosecute and facilitate the prosecution of human traffickers in the state, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s mission of making Enugu the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
The commissioner added that the state will work with security and law enforcement agencies to stamp out human trafficking in the state. Udeh urged NAPTIP to strengthen the State Task Force Against Human Trafficking of which he is the chairman, to deal decisively with the menace in Enugu State.
In that regard, it was resolved that relevant stakeholders shall jointly draw up an action plan to optimize the performance of the Task Force and improve outcomes, including deterring potential human traffickers and supporting the victims of human trafficking. He maintained that the administration of Dr. Peter Mbah will not tolerate trading in human persons or human organs in any form; warning that anyone caught would be punished according to the law.
He disclosed his readiness to issue a general fiat to NAPTIP, which it earlier requested, to enable it to prosecute human traffickers under the State Law.
The NAPTIP Zonal Commander informed the Attorney-General that the agency has a shelter, where victims taken from abusive homes and brothels are kept until they are integrated back into society.
According to Offiah, sheltering victims of human trafficking is part of the agency’s mandate.
He appealed to the commissioner for Justice to assist the Agency in securing decent accommodation, as they are currently staying in a rented apartment that is inconducive and insufficient for its operations.
Offiah enumerated other challenges affecting the smooth operations of the Federal Agency in the State to include: lack of logistics (such as vehicles) and operational resources for the running of the Agency.
