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Buratai’s Brazilian Army “Butchery Award” Is Absurd ― Intersociety
Brazilian Army Butchery Award: Heightening The Gong Of Justice Over Buratai’s Military Atrocities In Nigeria
The news of the award of “the Brazilian Military Order of Merit Award”(Brazilian Army Butchery Award), to Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said to have recommended by the Brazilian Army Commander, Gen Edwardo Villas Boas and approved by President Michel Temer is not surprising to us at Intersociety.
The “award” touted, noisily celebrated and overblown by the COAS’s media and image managers and aides as “the highest military honour in Brazil”, is nothing short of “Brazilian Army Butchery Award”.
The socio-political circumstances leading to the said butchery award are also utterly cloaked in the layers of controversy and diplomatic quackery, which have further rendered the award laughable and watery and messed up general credibility that follows modern meritorious or excellence award.
For the avoidance of doubt, President Michel Miguel Elias Temer Lulia, age 75; as he is truly called, became President of Brazil only seven months ago or on 31st August 2016, following the celebrated impeachment over serious charges of corruption of his boss, Madam Dilma Rousseff, whom he has been deputizing since 2011.
The central government headed by his boss was seriously accused of involvement in the Petrobras scandal which involved kickbacks and corruption.
The serious accusation later snowballed into country wide protests by millions of Brazilians calling for her resignation, arrest and prosecution which eventually led to her impeachment in late August 2016.
Also the Brazilian Army Chief, General Eduardo Dias Costa Villas Bôas, as he is truly called, who was said to have recommended the butchery award to be bestowed on the Nigeria’s COAS, was appointed the Army Chief by impeached and former President, Madam Dilma Rousseff on 12th January 2015.
That is to say that the Brazilian Army Butchery Award truly stems from reward for being artistic in civilians’ butchery. It is also an act of diplomatic roguery and quackery.
From the foregoing, therefore, it is an incontestable fact that those who were diplomatically facilitated to engineer the military butchery award in Brasilia for the COAS know nothing about the atrocious activities of the Nigerian Army under the midwifery of COAS, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, particularly from July 2015 when the current COAS was appointed.
Another reason for the butchery award may most likely be a sort of thanking the Nigerian Army and Government for patronizing Brazil’s State owned or controlled warehouses responsible for production and shipment of licit small arms and light weapons (SALWs) to Nigeria.
This is more when it is unhidden that Nigeria now serves as a major buyer and dumping ground for small arms and light weapons from Europe, China and Americas.
Nigeria is also about to overtake Algeria and Angola licitly as Africa’s largest arms spender and buyer annually. Illicitly speaking, the country through conflict profiteers or profiteers of violence is one of the largest buyers of SALWs in Africa.
It is also on global and scholarly records that the State of Brazil and its Army has no place in the global hall of fame, gold and human rights.
From various scholarly research accounts, Brazil is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) and it is responsible for a reasonable percent of licit and illicit trade or shipment of same to West Africa including Nigeria where they are used recklessly and murderously by killer State and non-State actors, including Lt Gen Tukur Buratai’s Nigerian Army.
Through the shipment of SALWs to Nigeria, which Brazil co-participate, over 40,000 defenseless citizens have been killed by Islamist Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists since 2009.
Through the procurement and use of same partly from Brazil, the Nigerian Army headed by Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai and its sister armed agencies including the Nigeria Police Force have massacred not less than 6000 unarmed, nonviolent and defenseless citizens since July 2015 when the COAS was appointed.
The Nigeria Police Force, through its SARS and CIDs account for 4000 extra judicial killings between June 2015 and this 2017; on average of 200 citizens per month.
The former chair of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu was recently quoted by Mr. Emma Onwubiko of HURIWA to have disclosed on 12th March 2012 that Nigeria Police Force tortures and kills 2500 citizens extra judicially on annual basis.
The COAS and his Army are specifically responsible for the massacre of not less than 1000 unarmed and nonviolent members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) who were on religious processions in a broad day light in Zaria in December 2015.
The COAS made a hoax claim of assassination attempt on his life to justify the mass murder and till date, he has not proved or provided common or fundamental ingredients accompanying modern assassination attempts (i.e. weapons and cartridges used portions of his vehicle shattered by shot bullets, soldiers or attackers wounded or killed; names of the specific attackers, etc).
As if that was not enough, the COAS and his Army also went out of modern military ethics and codes; opened fire and shot and killed over 270 unarmed and nonviolent pro Biafra campaigners who engaged in nonviolent street processions, protests and religious vigils.
The Army killings took place in ten different locations in the Southeast and the South-south of Nigeria.
Over 800 members of IMN and pro Biafra campaign movements were also brutally shot and terminally wounded by COAS and his Army; with several of them crippled for life.
Not done and satisfied with the enormity and gravity of butcheries so perpetrated, the Brazilian Army Butchery Award-winning COAS and his Army, according to Amnesty Int’l Report of 2016/2017, caused or facilitated the killing of 240 civilians including 29 children aged between new born and five years.
They were held in captivity in connection with Boko Haram insurgency at the Giwa Military’s detention facilities in Maiduguri, Borno State; leading to their mass killing.
As we speak, all the perpetrators including the COAS are still on the prowl with the military atrocities continuously swept under the carpet.
The referenced army butchery award is therefore not surprising to us. All the butchers in Africa including late Idi Amin, Mobutu Sese Seko, Emperor Bokasa, Sani Abacha, Charles Tarlor, Hissene Habre, Maummar Gaddafi and several murderous past and present African Armies’ chiefs had at one time or the other flooded their restrooms, bathrooms and sitting rooms with tens of hundreds of paper, wooden and ceramic “merit awards”.
The erstwhile SARS commander in Anambra State, who has been indicted by several internationally respected rights groups and research institutions on torture and extra judicial killings; parades one of the highest numbers of “merit awards” including those facilitated from foreign and national “rights NGOs” .
We therefore see the “Brazilian Military Order of Merit Award” bestowed on the COAS as heightening of the gong of justice and accountability over Buratai’s military atrocities in Nigeria.
The barrage and litany of condemnations and shocks trailing the award, which are trending on web media, are substantially responsible for the issuance of this statement.
We will not be surprised to see Nigeria’s print and electronic media being awash in coming hours with adverts from gullible and conformist individuals and groups pouring out congratulatory messages on the COAS over his “well deserved award”.
It is also not surprised if Nigerians see another round of rented crowd marching down Nigerian streets in “solidarity” with the military butchery award and its winner.
Finally, the Brazilian military butchery award is a wakeup call on all conscientious and courageous Nigerians of social versatility and letteredness within and outside Nigeria to continuously sound the gong of justice and accountability to the ears of COAS Tukur Yusuf Buratai and other perpetrators of military and other regime atrocities in Nigeria or any part thereof, by reminding them that the clock of justice and accountability is ticking and steadily closing in on them.
There shall be intensification of scholarly searches across the world so as to explore available criminal and civil judicial remedies and safeguards in various jurisdictions in various countries of the world such as the Belgium’s Int’l Criminal and Civil Laws Jurisdictions of 2005 (Sorry Day) (for punishment of the perpetrators of heinous crimes and grievous rights abuses perpetrated outside Belgium).
There are also Torture Victims and Alien Torts Acts in USA as well as Int’l Criminal Court Enforcement Jurisdiction in South Africa, etc.
These should be fully studied and exploited alongside judicially existing safeguards and remedies in Nigeria, the Rome Statute, ECOWAS and AU Rights courts, African Special Criminal Court (i.e. that sentenced Hissene Habre to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity at Dakar Senegal in May 2016).
The leaderships of IMN and IPOB worldwide and their supporters and sympathizers must not allow their slain comrades to die in vain.
Curses following such nonchalance and moral obligations will never be cleansed in generations to come.
Their killers must never be allowed go scot free even if they end up procuring trailer loads of paper, wooden and ceramic “merit awards”.
• Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chairman
Mobile Line: +2348174090052
• Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esq.
Head, Civil Liberties & Rule of Law Program
• Chinwe Umeche, Esq.
Head, Democracy & Good Governance Program
• Florence C. Akubilo, Esq.
Head, Campaign & Publicity Department
Contact: International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law
Phone Lines: +2348182411462, +2349063500218
Email: info@intersociety-ng.org
Website: www.intersociety-ng.org
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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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