Profiles International Human Rights Advocate

 Some recent incidents in Nigeria have enhanced the urgent need for enhanced security measures to prevent and respond to criminal activities. One tragic example occurred on Airport Road in Abuja, where a disagreement over a fare between a motorcycle operator (commonly known as Okada) and a passenger escalated into violence. The motorcycle operator fatally stabbed the passenger before fleeing the scene, leaving authorities scrambling for answers. This incident, like many others in marketplaces and motor parks, highlights the pressing issue of unidentifiable individuals committing crimes and evading justice. While the government has made strides in improving national identification systems, there is a critical need for localized and community-driven measures to ensure safety. Markets are bustling centers of economic activity, but they are also vulnerable to criminal activities. Many markets lack proper identification protocols for traders, apprentices, salespersons, and others who op...

 The persistence of racial discrimination and narrow-mindedness remains a deeply troubling issue, particularly when such behavior is found within spaces meant to embody love, unity, and acceptance—such as the House of the Lord. These sacred spaces should serve as sanctuaries free from prejudice, welcoming all individuals regardless of race or background. Tragically, Africans often bear the brunt of these injustices, and paradoxically, many are quick to defend those who perpetuate discriminatory practices. This includes individuals who exploit religious platforms as professional occupations rather than embracing them as spiritual callings. This raises a fundamental question: Are we prisoners of conscience, or are we simply ignorant of history? Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor stands out as a powerful example of courage in the face of such challenges. As a true advocate for equality, he fearlessly identifies and condemns racial discrimination, even within Christian institutions, demonstrati...

 "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes" Governor Adeleke Grants Pardon to 53 Convicts, Including Two Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl. In a remarkable demonstration of compassion and the principles of restorative justice, The Governor granted clemency to 53 convicts serving various sentences in the Nigerian Correctional Service. Among those pardoned were Olowookere Segun and Sunday Morakinyo, who had been sentenced to death for stealing a fowl. The letter of commutation, dated December 24, 2024, was formally acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities. This poignant message punctuates the Governor’s belief in the importance of second chances and the role of compassion in governance. By granting these pardons, Governor Adeleke has sent a powerful message about the value of humanity, even in the administration of justice. This decision was influenced significantly by collective advocacy, particularly on social media. Nigerian...

 May this festive season fill the air with cheer and unity; we must reflect on our collective responsibilities as citizens and, more importantly, hold our leaders accountable for the promises they made before assuming office. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s recent commendation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, emphasizes the significant role of leadership in driving national development. President Tinubu, while praising Wike’s performance, stated that appointing him as FCT Minister was one of the best decisions of his administration. “Wike is a good man, and his quest to make things right in the FCT is commendable,” Tinubu affirmed. The President also touched on a critical issue: Nigerians’ reluctance to pay ground rent on time, labeling it as a challenge to compliance culture. Ground rent, an annual fee paid by landowners in Abuja, is crucial for funding infrastructure projects such as road construction and other public services. Minister Wike’s warning a...

 Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos.

 The likes of Dele Farotimi is visible  In every thriving democracy, the principle of justice is a cornerstone that upholds the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It is in this spirit that we must examine the ongoing detention of Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi, a situation that has raised profound concerns about the state of our democratic values and judicial processes. Dele Farotimi, a relentless advocate for human rights, remains incarcerated despite being granted bail by both the Court. His continued detention is not only a legal anomaly but a moral affront to the principles of fairness and due process. How can we, as a society, reconcile this with the ideals of democracy that we strive to uphold? Democracy thrives on the pillars of freedom, fairness, and accountability. It empowers citizens to speak the truth without fear of reprisal and assures them that their fundamental rights will be protected. Yet, when individuals like Dele Farotimi are denied their freedoms des...

 The recent spate of tragic stampedes in Nigeria has shown the pressing need for comprehensive safety measures during mass gatherings. Such tragedies not only claim innocent lives but also reveal the harsh economic realities that drive desperation among the populace. The soaring cost of living and scarcity of essential commodities compel many to seek palliatives, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. In Maitama, Abuja, a palliative-sharing event at Church resulted in a stampede that claimed 10 lives. Similarly, a rice-sharing event in Okija, Anambra State, turned fatal, with many casualties reported. In Ibadan, during a Christmas Funfair at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, 35 children lost their lives, and six others sustained injuries in a tragic stampede. These events serve as grim reminders of the fragility of life and the consequences of inadequate planning and oversight. In response to the Ibadan tragedy, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State canceled his birthday celebrati...