Reports
How Buhari/Osinbajo Govt Breeds Hates Killings, Speeches — CSO
Two recent provocative and inciting presidential pronouncements; namely: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s misinterpretation of the regional and international meaning of hates speeches and returnee President Muhammadu Buhari’s war-like and militarized State of the Federation broadcast have further exposed how the democracy-challenged Government breeds hates killings and speeches and secessionism by way of security radicalization, inaction, misinterpretation and selective application of the Nigeria’s Body of Laws especially the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
Most, if not all Nigerians and the State actor and non-State actor members of the international community have continued to express shocks and disbelief over the presidential and private attitudes in recent times of the person and office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo-a professor of law and SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria).
Though professorship of law does not confer on its bearer the status of the master of all in law knowledge and profession but a dispensable authority in a very small unit of a sub law discipline, yet the above named attentive and respected members of the modern global community especially the citizens of Nigeria and all lovers of democracy and its free society/speeches have expected Professor Yemi Osinbajo to serve as soothing point and chief intellectual backbone for the person and office of Nigeria’s President; as they concern the leadership and management of the country’s democracy, constitutionalism, development, human living, environment, rule of law and human rights.
Disappointedly, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as a vice president, senior advocate of Nigeria, pastor of a Pentecostal church, human rights activist and professor of law has failed woefully and disappointed Nigerians and the entire global community.
In a country governed by the Constitution and numerous ratified regional and international treaties as well as various codified laws of the country, the Vice President has continuously since 2015 imposed on all Nigerians his personal biases and highly sentimental views as the new laws of Nigeria.
In the immortal words of the late Music icon, Mr. Fela Anikulapo Kuti; Professor Yemi Osinbajo has become a teacher who teaches Nigerians nonsense!
Totally alarmed and condemned are Professor Osinbajo’s recent undemocratic and biased interpretation of hates speech and his description of same as “act of terrorism”.
We not only view the Vice President’s pronouncement with uttermost suspicion but also fear that it is targeted at shutting the country’s democratic forces and exponents of free society especially based or hailed from the South-south and Southeast Nigeria.
Mr. Vice President/Law Professor had not long ago given such warped interpretations to some sensitive sections of the Constitution.
Nigerians and Nigeria are yet to recover from the controversial interpretation by the same Vice President of Section 171 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution with respect to whether Nigeria’s Senate can confirm or not the chairmanship nominee for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Vice President had claimed that the Senatorial confirmation is not needed for all appointive headships of the Federal extra ministerial bodies covered by Section 171.
Yet the EFCC Act of 2004 in its Section 2 (3) provides for the confirmation of its Chairmanship nominee by the Senate. This was after the Presidency had sent the name of Mr. Ibrahim Magu twice to Senate for confirmation as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.
This has made Mr. Magu as the longest serving federal government political appointee in acting capacity in the history of Nigeria and its acclaimed democratic rule.
Yet, it was the same Presidency that recently or much longer after, sent another name to Senate to be confirmed as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulations Commission (NERC).
NERC is another extra ministerial body created or covered by Section 171 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Since then, there have been controversies after controversies on account of the Vice President Osinbajo’s biased interpretational pronouncement.
The controversies got compounded on account of the refusal by the Presidency and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to refer the issue, early enough, to the Supreme Court for resolution.
On the other hand, we see the Vice President’s recent description of “hates speech in Nigeria” as “act of terrorism” not only as militarist, draconian and unconstitutional; but it is also nothing short of the return of Decrees 2 and 4 of 1984.
Though hates speech especially incitement to genocide is considered as a crime under the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the international law proper, but this is not yet criminalized and codified in Nigeria in clearly defined terms and procedures.
Contrary to Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s claim that hates speech is an act of terrorism in Nigeria, hates speech has nothing whatsoever to do with Nigeria’s Terrorism and its Prevention Act of 2011 (amended in 2013). No part of section of the Act clearly and unambiguously says so.
Besides, Nigeria’s body of criminal laws and their procedures do not recognize mens rea (guilty mind) alone as a crime except it is accompanied by actus reus or guilty act.
Internationally, to be called a crime of hates speech (i.e. incitement to genocide), its intent must be irrefutably established printably or electronically with direct link to its specific targeted genocidal population.
The Vice President’s referenced biased interpretation further offends the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria especially subsections 8 and 12 of its Sections 36; which forbids arrest, detention, trial, conviction and sentencing of any citizen over an offense that is not clearly written down in a written and constituted an offense at the time of such arrest, detention, trial and sentencing; with its penalties clearly written, defined and proactively measured.
Difference exists between a tribal group issuing a genocidal threat with a public quit notice targeted at over 11million guest residents and another agitating nonviolently for a statehood or a sovereign or general peoples’ conference; without any form of genocidal threat against its co-tribe; to determine how and whether to live together or apart.
Nationally, regionally and internationally, the former presently receiving government protection, aiding and abetting; are offenders of the crime of genocidal incitement.
For purposes of clear understanding and putting the records straight, hates speech is speech which attacks a person or group on the basis of attributes such as race, religion.
It is further defined as an advocacy of hatred based on nationality, race or religion; which has occupied an exceptional position in international law including the Rome Statute of 1998, ratified by Nigeria in 2001.
A major component of hates speech is called direct and public incitement to genocide which was one of the key charges laid against defendants in the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in the case of its 1994 Genocide.
In defining what constitutes hates speech, therefore, extreme is always taken. In the case of the Rwandan anti Genocide Tribunal, for instance, the Tribunal elaborated somewhat on the definition of the crime (hates speech).
In the particular case of the Prosecutor v. Nahimana, Barayagwiza, & Ngeze, it stated that the defendant’s intent must be established.
The International Law also recognizes the inherent dignity and equality of every individual as the foundational axiom of international human rights. It is upon this that it condemns statements which deny the equality of all human beings.
Article 20(2) of the ICCPR (Int’l Covenant on Civil & Political Rights) requires states to prohibit hate speech, but does not require states to prohibit all negative statements towards national groups, races or religions but, as soon as a statement “constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence,” it must be banned.
That is to say that while we condemn hates speeches locally and internationally, our rise in strong condemnation of Professor Osinbajo’s latest pronouncement of hates speech as “act of terrorism” is strongly based on the likelihood of the present Buhari/Osinbajo Administration brutally eroding constitutional liberties and democratic free speeches hiding under the cover of “fight against hates speech”.
Advocacy silence over this could also give the Administration room to run riot on Nigerians using “hates speech”.
This is more so when the same Government has now created its own version of “hates speech” and terrorized it without codification or federal legislation.
A central Government that arrested since 14th December 2015 and detained till date without trial aging Nigerian husband and wife for their religious beliefs after battering their bodies with live bullets and killing over 1000 of their sect members cannot be allowed a breathing space in its latest pronouncement and magisterial criminalization of hates speech as an “act of terrorism”.
Yesterday’s Monday morning national broadcast by the returnee President of Nigeria has further added more salt to the injury and confirmed the real motives behind Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s terrorization of “hates speech”.
The broadcast was riddled with threats of State violence, militarism and militarization and general state of hopelessness for all Nigerians.
The broadcast also was anti free speech and a ferocious attack on Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution especially its Section 22 (roles of all agents of the mass media in defending, advancing and promoting democracy and civil governance) and Section 39 (freedom of expression).
It further lent credence to the fact that Nigeria is not a democratic free society or civil government, but a fully-fledged malevolent diarchy government with deployment of battalions of soldiers or military in 28, out of its 36 States.
The returnee President’s broadcast has further put Nigerians in quandary and hopelessness.
Nigerians had expected their returnee President, to no avail, to openly acknowledge and apologize; with packages of practical solutions, that road routes from Enugu to Port Harcourt, Enugu to Abuja, Edo to Abuja, Onitsha to Kaduna, Kaduna to Katsina, Lagos to Ibadan, Asaba to Warri; to mention but few, have become nightmare.
Nigerians also expected returnee President Buhari, all to no avail, to tell them how trillions of naira worth of central “budgets” since June 2015 have touched their lives tangibly and intangibly.
In all, the truth that must be told is that it is the central Government of Buhari/Osinbajo; and not ordinary Nigerians that breeds hates speeches and killings and secessionism through its policies of security radicalization, inaction, misinterpretation and selective application of the laws of Nigerian.
By way of government security radicalization through militarism, militarization, trumped up charges, over-criminalization, unlawful killings, extra judicial executions, torture, enforced disappearances and arrest and long detention without or before trial; the Buhari/Osinbajo’s Government had since June 2015 bred citizens’ militancy, radicalism, ethnic chauvinism, ethno-religious divisions and disunity.
By way of Government inaction including omissions, aiding, abetting and tolerance of illegalities, crimes and group violence, especially in matters of ethnic violence and government aided mass murder, hates speeches and killings are bred by the same Government with their consequential ethno-religious divisions, mass poverty, undergrowth and under-development.
This was exactly the eruption of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.
By way of Government misinterpretation of the laws especially Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the return to the state of nature or banana republic is bred and nurtured by same.
As a result of same, too, citizens begin to explore loopholes for the purpose of using them to suit their malicious intents and purposes or whims and caprices as well as manipulating and disobeying the laws with reckless abandon.
The key danger of selective application or enforcement of the national laws is the disadvantaged or victim citizens’ resort to self-help and reprisal radicalization and other socially inimical approaches.
The most recent clear cases in point are the returnee President’s broadcast where he deliberately and merely described well organized and one of the world’s deadliest terrorist groups (Fulani terror group and its violent activities) as “Fulani herdsmen-Farmers’ clash”.
The second clearest case in point was the Northern elders backed quit notice against over 11million Igbo citizens residing in Northern Nigeria; which the central Buhari/Osinbajo’s Government has refused to act on punitively till date.
For: Int’l Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law [Intersociety]
Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chairman
Mobile Line: +2348174090052
Email: info@intersociety-ng.org
Barr Chinwe Umeche
Head, Democracy and Good Governance Program
Barr Obianuju Igboeli
Head, Civil Liberties and Rule of Law Program
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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