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  • SERAP Seeks UN Intervention Over Detention Of Sowore and Four Others

    SERAP Seeks UN Intervention Over Detention Of Sowore and Four Others

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sought the intervention of the United Nations over the detention of the convener of #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, and four others.

    In a statement on Tuesday by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group said it has sent an urgent complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention over the “arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment” Sowore and the other whom it said were activists for peacefully exercising their human rights.

    This comes a day after a Magistrate Court in Abuja ordered the remand of the five persons at the Kuje Correctional Centre in the nation’s capital pending when their formal bail application would be heard on Tuesday.

    They were arraigned by the Federal Government on three charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and an attempt to incite others.

    In its reaction, SERAP said, “The Working Group should request the Nigerian authorities to withdraw the bogus charges against Mr Sowore and four other activists, and to immediately and unconditionally release them.”

    In the complaint dated January 4, it stressed that the detention of the five persons constituted an arbitrary deprivation of their liberty, saying it does not have any legal justification.

    The human rights group urged the UN Working Group to initiate a procedure involving the investigation of the charges against Sowore and the activists and to urgently send an allegation letter to the Nigerian government inquiring about the case generally.

    It also urged the international body to issue an opinion declaring that the deprivation of liberty and detention of Sowore and the others was arbitrary and in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and obligations under international human rights law.

    Before their arraignment, Sowore had in a tweet called for a crossover protest, asking Nigerians to pick up a candle and a placard showing their grievances against the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    The complaint addressed to the Chairman/Rapporteur of the Working Group, Mr Jose Guevara Bermudez, read in part:

    The Human Rights Committee has interpreted this right to mean that procedures for carrying out legally authorized deprivation of liberty should also be established by law and State parties should ensure compliance with their legally prescribed procedures.

    Pursuant to the mandate of the Working Group, the “Manual of Operations of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council” and the publication “Working with the UN Human Rights Programme, a Handbook for Civil Society”, SERAP, a non-governmental human rights organization, can provide information on a specific human rights case or situation in a particular country, or on a country’s laws and practices with human rights implications.

    SERAP, therefore, argues that the case adequately satisfies the requirements by which to submit an individual complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

    SERAP is therefore seeking an opinion from the Working Group finding the continuing detention of Mr Sowore and four other activists to be arbitrary and in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and obligations under international law.

    Accordingly, it is hereby requested that the Working Group consider this Individual Complaint a formal request for an opinion of the Working Group pursuant to Resolution 1997/50 of the Commission on Human Rights, as reiterated by Resolutions 2000/36, 2003/31, and Human Rights Council Resolutions 6/4, 15/18, 20/16, and 24/7.

    SERAP respectfully requests the Working Group to initiate the procedure involving the investigation of individual cases toward reaching an opinion declaring the detention of Mr Sowore and four other activists to be arbitrary and in violation of international human rights law.

    To this end, SERAP will pursue the regular communications procedure before the Working Group in order to have the ability to provide comments on any response by the Nigerian government.

    On midnight of 1st January 2021, Mr Sowore and four other activists were arrested by the officers of Nigeria Police Force, particularly men dispatched from Apo Division, Abuja, at the #CrossoverWithProtest, a planned procession across the country on New Year Eve.

    They were reportedly subjected to severe torture and other ill-treatment, and Sowore was left with bruises on his nose and all over his body in an apparently the use of excessive force by the police officers.

    Sowore and four other activists were arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 on Monday, 4th January 2021 on three charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and attempting to incite others.

    Sowore denied all the charges, but the Magistrate ordered that he, alongside other activists, be remanded in Kuje Prison. He was denied access to his friends and family for days.

    The authorities have also refused to provide him with medical attention despite overt marks of torture and other ill-treatment he reportedly suffered.

  • UN demands `immediate, unconditional’ release of Kidnapped Katsina schoolboys

    UN demands `immediate, unconditional’ release of Kidnapped Katsina schoolboys

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attack by suspected bandits at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina State on Dec. 11.

    Guterres’ reaction came in a statement by UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Monday in New York.

    He called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of no fewer than 300 male students, the attackers reportedly abducted from the school.

    “The secretary-general strongly condemns the Dec. 11 attack on a secondary school in Katsina State, Nigeria and the reported abduction of hundreds of boys by suspected armed bandits.

    “He calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted children and for their safe return to their families.

    “The secretary-general reiterates that attacks on schools and other educational facilities constitute a grave violation of human rights.”

    The UN chief urged security agencies to arrest and bring those responsible for the heinous act to justice.

    He reaffirmed the “solidarity and support” of the organisation to the Federal Government and Nigerians in their fight “against terror, violent extremism and organised crime”.

    The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also flayed the abduction and called for the boys’ immediate release.

    In a statement, the agency said it is “deeply concerned about these acts of violence”, describing attacks on schools as a violation of children’s rights.

    “UNICEF condemns in the strongest possible terms this brutal attack and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all children and their return to their families.”

    Its Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marie-Pierre Poirier, issued a separate statement expressing solidarity with the families of the students and their communities.


    Poitier said that the violence was a “grim reminder” that abductions of children and widespread grave violations of children’s rights continue to take place in the northern part of Nigeria.

    “Children should feel safe at home, in schools, and in their playgrounds at all times.

    “We stand with the families of the missing children and the community affected by this horrifying event,” she said.

  • Zabarmari Massacre: UN withdraws ‘110’ casualty figure

    Zabarmari Massacre: UN withdraws ‘110’ casualty figure

    The United Nations (UN) has withdrawn its initial casualty figure of 110 farmers being killed by Boko Haram in Zabarmari community of Borno state.

    Making a clarification on Monday November 30, the international agency said the figure was not yet confirmed.

    Eve Sabbagh, UN’s head of public information in Nigeria said the “110 casualty figure” was not properly sourced.

    She said;

    “Please note the number of 110 civilians killed on Saturday’s attack is an unconfirmed number and the correct version of the statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator is the one published yesterday on Reliefweb and used on OCHA Nigeria’s Twitter account.”

    In another statement released by the UN, the casualty was replaced with “tens of civilians”, while other parts of the piece remains the same.

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  • Gbajabiamila meets UN Dep Sec. Gen., Mohammed, discusses social, economic devt, others

    Gbajabiamila meets UN Dep Sec. Gen., Mohammed, discusses social, economic devt, others


    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday hosted the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, where they discussed issues and explored partnership in critical areas.
    The issues include electoral reforms, reduction of Gender-Based Violence, creating an enabling environment for more women in politics, improvement of public financial management systems, managing Africa’s debt crisis as well as improving social investment and social protection systems in Nigeria.
    Agreeing on these priorities, the Speaker confirmed that these were aligned with the priorities the  House had identified in the Updated Legislative Agenda it launched in July to respond to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
    The Speaker said he looked forward to working with the Office of UN Deputy Secretary-General and the UN Resident Coordinator in taking things forward.
    The discussion concluded with an agreement to explore partnerships in helping to deliver impact in the stated areas, particularly through specific legislative interventions which reflect the priorities of Nigerians.
    Present at the meeting were the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Nigeria, Mr. William Kallon, the Special Assistant to the DSG, Hadiza Elayo, Special Assistant to the Resident Coordinador, Fred Eno and the Special Adviser to the Speaker on International and Interparliamentary Affairs, Mr. Dapo Oyewole.

  • Yemi Alade bags endorsement deal with UN

    Yemi Alade bags endorsement deal with UN

    Popular Nigerian songstress, Yemi Alade has been appointed by the United Nations to be her Goodwill Ambassador.

    This comes after legendary singer, Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia was appointed a UNHCR goodwill ambassador for refugees

    Read more: Nigerian Comedienne, Helen Paul set to become American professor

    Receiving the appointment, the singer revealed that she is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work in helping UNDP achieve its sustainable development goals by 2030 especially at this critical time where Covid-19 has impacted on many lives, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

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  • We Supports Igbo Presidency, Says NU.

    We Supports Igbo Presidency, Says NU.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    The National Unity Association (NU) has disclosed that the association would support an Igbo candidate at the forthcoming 2023 presidential election in order to ensure even distribution of power.

    In a statement signed by the association’s chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Maigata and issued to newsmen in kano at the end of an understanding meeting, said that Nigeria as a nation consists of many tribes and it is now onto a democratic dispensation therefore an Igbo candidate should be given a chance to rule.

    The association which was formed in January 2020, would tour the northern States in order to enlighten the electorate about the needs to support an Igbo candidate and to seek prayers to Nigeria in overcoming it’s problems especially the issue of insecurity which is now a subject of discussion everywhere.

    The statement further announced that “the National Unity Association has a members across 19 Northern states and after going round the northern region, we would commence our mission tour to the southern States in order to seek their supports before the general elections”. According to the statement.

    In conclusion, the association is calling on the federal government under president Muhammadu Buhari to takes appropriate measures in curtailing insurgency in the country and called for more prayers from all hands to restore peace and unity in Nigeria.

    In a relates development, National progressives association(NPA) has announced that an Igbo presidential candidate would receive the association’s support in order to ensure that the dream to enthrone an Igbo president becomes reality especially when this country is getting more united.

    The association disclosed that ” We would join hands with other associations to work towards the success of the mission for the progress of Nigeria as a nation, that is why we are now forming an association that would work and act with one voice for best results”. He concluded.

  • UN reacts to killing of aid workers in Borno State

    UN reacts to killing of aid workers in Borno State

    The United Nations has reacted to the killing of aid workers by terrorists in Borno state.

    Mr. Edward Kallon, the humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, expressed shock over the development, stating that the UN is horrified by the gruesome killing of some of its colleagues and partners by non-state armed groups.

    Mr. Kallon expressed his most heartfelt condolences to loved ones, families, friends, and co-workers of the diseased, stating that they were committed humanitarians who devoted their lives to helping vulnerable people and communities in an area heavily affected by violence.

    He condemned all violence targeting aid workers and the civilians, adding that he is troubled by the number of illegal vehicular checkpoints set up by non-state armed groups along main supply routes.

    At the beginning of the year, the UN reported that about eight million people are in need of urgent life-saving assistance in north-east Nigeria.

  • UN fund receives additional $1m to address COVID-19 response in Nigeria

    UN fund receives additional $1m to address COVID-19 response in Nigeria

    A UN finance support platform tagged: One UN COVID-19 Response Basket Fund, says it has received additional one million dollars to help Nigeria to address challenges posed by the pandemic in the country.

    The UN Development Programme (UNDP), which manages the basket fund, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The statement quoted Mohamed Yahya, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, as saying that the additional fund was to aid Nigeria, as it witnessed rapid rise in the number of confirmed cases.

    According to Yahya, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated one million dollars in support of the Nigerian government in addressing the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic on July 14, 2020.

    He said that the UN welcomed the contribution of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as it aimed to support the country’s response in the management of the crisis and the realities of post-crisis, particularly in the protection of vulnerable persons.

    He added that “as a recognised COVID-19 Response Financing and Investment Platform, this facility provides us timely opportunity to stand with Nigeria and channel financial contributions toward the COVID-19 multi-sectoral response.

    “Working as one UN enables us to minimise the risk of duplication of efforts and ensures efficient mobilisation and rapid deployment of resources.”

    The UNDP resident representative said that the unfolding COVID-19 situation in Nigeria called for solidarity and coordinated support to government to the response plan of the country.

    “Through the Basket Fund, the UN aims to ensure policy coherence, programmatic alignment, harmonisation, and coordination of support to the Government of Nigeria during the time of crisis,’’ Yahya said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the UN, in collaboration with the Federal Government, launched the One UN COVID-19 Response Basket Fund on April 6, 2020.

    The Basket Fund serves as the One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders can channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.

    The overall management of the One UN COVID-19 Response Basket Fund is led and coordinated by the Project Board.

    The Project Board has representation from the Presidential Task Force; Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), relevant government departments, fund contributing donors and the UN.

    As of June 2020, the Basket Fund, managed by UNDP mobilised 61.3 million dollars, including 54.6 million dollars from the European Union (EU) and 2.2 million dollars from UN agencies.

    Also, the fund received four million dollars from the private sector (Dangote 3.8 million dollars and AP Maersk 0.2 million dollars); and 0.4 million dollars from the Government of Switzerland. (NAN)

  • UN say 700 people died in Syrian camps

    UN say 700 people died in Syrian camps

    The United Nations counter terrorism chief said his office received information that 700 people died recently in two camps in northeast Syria, where about 70,000 mainly women and children connected to Islamic State fighters are detained in “very dire conditions.”

    Vladimir Vorontsov told a news conference Thursday that the people, including children, died of “lack of medicine, lack of food” at the al-Hol and Roj camps, which are overseen by Kurdish-led forces allied with the United States who spearheaded the fight against the extremist group. He said the deaths in the camps created “feelings of anger.”

    Vorontsov urged the international community to tackle “the huge problem” of what to do with these people, saying keeping them in camps “is very dangerous.”

    He warned that “they could create very explosive materials that could be very helpful for terrorists to restart their activities” in Syria and Iraq.

    The Islamic State, which once controlled large swathes of Iraq and Syria, lost its last Syrian strongholds in early 2019. But despite the loss of its self-styled caliphate, U.N. experts said earlier this year that the extremist group is mounting increasingly bold attacks in Syria and Iraq and is planning for the breakout of its fighters in detention facilities.

  • China signs UN arms trade treaty

    China signs UN arms trade treaty

    China signed a global pact Monday to regulate arms sales that has been rejected by the United States, the Asian power’s UN ambassador said.
    The Communist Party leadership’s top legislative body voted in late June to join the UN Arms Trade Treaty, designed to control the flow of weapons into conflict zones.

    The signing demonstrates China’s “resolve and sincerity in maintaining international arms control regime, supporting multilateralism, and forging a community with a shared future for mankind,” Zhang Jun, China’s ambassador to the UN, said in a statement.

    The statement added that Beijing allows arms exports only to sovereign states and not to non-state actors.

    China, the second-largest global arms producer, announced June 22 it would join the Arms Trade Treaty, which now has 107 member states.

    Adopted by the UN in 2013, the treaty requires members to keep records of international transfers of weapons and to prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations.

    The arms included range from handguns to missiles to airplanes and warships.

    The US Senate never ratified the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty after former president Barack Obama endorsed it, and Trump has said he would revoke his predecessor’s signature.

    It is among a number of international agreements reached under the Obama administration that Trump has moved to pull out of.