Reports
Buhari Fails To Keep His Promise On Human Rights
Before rounding off his 2,562-word speech at Chatham House in the United Kingdom in February 2015, General Muhammadua Buhari (rtd.) made a good effort to disabuse the mind of his London listeners about his reputation as a military dictator. Many of them had heard about the cruel and oppressive Buhari-Idiagbon regime. As a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, Buhari’s human rights record was considered dismal and shocking.
For those were the years of illegal detention, dehumanisation and brutal violation of human rights of Nigerians. His Chatham House audience, like many Nigerians back home, believed that the time passage has not changed the General in a significant way. In his speech, Buhari accepted responsibility for the wicked decisions of his government and expressed deep regret. He assured his audience at the London forum that he is a changed man, and not the same person who supervised the violation of human rights of Nigerians 30 years ago.
“Before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat who is ready to operate under democratic norms…”, he said. He repeated the promise at several campaign rallies ahead of the 2015 Election.But over two years into his presidency, not much has changed about the temperament of President Buhari and his administrtaion. In fact, his human rights record in the last two years is rather looking more like the record he denounced before his audience at Chatham House, even though his fight against corruption is yet to lose steam.
The case in point is the illegal detention of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheik Ibraheem El-zakzaky and his wife, Hajia Zainab Elzakzaky.The couple were arrested in December 2015 after the supporters of the Shi’ite movement clashed with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, along Zaria road which led to the invasion of the cleric’s home by security forces .
According to Kaduna state authorities, 347 IMN members had been killed and secretly buried in a mass grave. The report of the Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up by the Kaduna state government indicted the Nigerian military of unlawful killings. Yet, nobody has answered questions about this gross violation of human rights till date, let alone get punished.
As we speak, El-Zakzaky and his wife remain in custody despite the court ruling against their detention. The court also awarded them reparation of N50million and directed the Federal Government to provide a temporary accommodation for the couple since it was established that the Nigerian Army and the Kaduna state government had destroyed their private residence in Zaria.
For more than one year, Buhari government has refused to comply with this court order.Instead, official statement from the Villa is that the couple are put under “protective custody” until the government is able to build a house for them. In his tongue-in-cheek response to questions on Channels television six months ago, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed said: “… Nobody wants to accept El-Zakzaky as a neighbour. So, we have been unable to build the house. So, where do we release him to?”
El-Zakzaky is not the only prisoner of President Buhari. The former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who has been granted bail by various courts also has been denied release. Dasuki, a retired colonel, is accused of mismanaging billions of dollars meant for purchase of arms. But the court has ruled that his offence is bailable.In 2015, he was admitted to bail by Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Abuja High Court, but the federal government did not obey the bail order. Buhari government also ignored the bails granted at different times by Justice Peter Affen , Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf and Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the FCT High Court.
In October 2016, the ECOWAS Court declared Dasuki’s detention illegal and ordered for his immediate release. The court ruled further that Federal Government should pay him a sum of N15 million as damages. In addition, the court decided that the cost of litigation will be summed up and charged against the Nigerian government. Till date, the government has refused to comply with any of the order. Two weeks ago, the Nigerian authorities arrested Timothy Elombah, editor of a news website, Elombah.com on the allegation that he published an article that offended the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
Though Elombah.com has been critical of Buhari administration, Daniel Elombah, the website’s chief executive, denied that news site had anything to do with the article for which the police arrested the editor. Now, Elombah and his family who were home for Christmas holiday are charged with cybercrime and banned from travel.
Committee to Protect Journalists, a global organisation protecting interest of journalists worldwide, has called for the release of Elombah, but the call has fallen on deaf ears. Amnesty International in its 2016/2017 report has criticised Buhari administration for lack of accountability for serious human rights violations. “No independent and impartial investigations into crimes committed by the military had taken place despite the President’s repeated promises,” the report stated.
Human rights lawyers and activists who had previously expressed optimism for a better democratic government under Buhari are now retracting, saying not much has indeed changed about the past. Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) described Buhari administration as the worst civilian rule in term of human rights violation.
“We have never had it so bad under a civilian government, where a government will deliberately disobey court orders and authorise detention of citizens, not even under the military era.”During his regime as a military head of state, Buhari promulgated decrees through which many political exposed persons and journalists were incarcerated.
His second reign as civilian president is the continuation of his 1984 regime, said a Lagos lawyer and human rights campaigner, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa.
“As I speak to you, this government does not respect the court orders and judgments made by the courts.”
According to Adegboruwa, Nigerians are now experiencing dictatorship under a civilian regime. “The government is unable to function in due process, which is why you see that there is a clampdown on judges in order to intimidate them. Lawyers who defend accused persons are subjected to harassment, their monies are frozen, they are intimidated and their families are threatened.
“So you are even afraid to defend anybody that have been charged to court by this government because both lawyers and the accused person will end up in the same detention. So we have a total clampdown on citizens. We are not in any government that respects human rights or due process at all.”
Civil society groups that had expressed high hope for Buhari government are also critical of Buhari’s human right records.
Media & Civic Engagement Manager of Resources Centre for Human Rights, Armsfree Ajanaku expressed anger at the Buhari administration for its disregard for human life.He said Buhari government lacks resolve to prevent, or hold to account the terrorists-herdsmen constantly on a killing spree across the country.
“For us, if a right as foundational as the right to life would be so easily violated, it can be inferred that the state of the other fundamental human rights be nothing to cheer about.”Buhari’s failure to stop the attack by Fulani herdsmen and bring the killers among them to justice is considered one of his major failures since he came to power. Many Nigerians think the president is sympathetic to the group in spite of his hypocrisy. But civil society group has reminded the president of the oath he swore to defend all Nigerians.
The constitution says security and welfare is the primary duty of government, said he executive director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) Adetokunbo Mumuni. He urged the government to take immediate action to curb the incessant killings across the country and to obey orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.
“Any proper government must operate under the rule of law and democracy. Whenever a court of competent jurisdiction makes an order, the government as a matter of binding duty has to comply with that order.”With another election year around the corner, Buhari has a short time to walk his talk. Otherwise, he may have a hard time to convince his Chatham House audience in case he receives another invitation to speak.
The Guardian
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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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