Human and Community Rights Centre (HCRC) Blog

  Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Maihulla, has affirmed that no human rights violation has been recorded against the Sokoto Hisbah Corps. Dr. Maihulla commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for entrenching a model of inclusive governance and religious harmony, describing it as “a beacon for other states to emulate.” He praised the governor’s leadership for promoting fairness, tolerance, and equitable development, noting that policies such as the payment of WAEC and NECO fees for all students regardless of state of origin, and empowerment initiatives for the poor, have strengthened social cohesion and unity across the state. According to him, the administration’s developmental efforts are visible across both urban and rural areas, including road construction, healthcare facilities, and mosque renovations, all executed without discrimination. The Commissioner also highlighted the state’s proactive crisis management approach...

NHRC Records 172 Human Rights Complaints in Kano, None Against Sokoto Hisbah Corps The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Kano State has reported receiving 172 complaints of alleged human rights violations in the month of September. The NHRC State Coordinator, Alhaji Shehu Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kano. According to Abdullahi, 122 of the cases have already been resolved, while 50 remain under investigation. He revealed that 130 of the complaints related to violations of the rights of women and children, while 32 cases involved issues of domestic violence and abandonment of family responsibilities. Additionally, 10 cases concerned economic and cultural rights, labour-related disputes, and incidents of physical assault. The Coordinator further noted that the Commission also mediated in several marital disputes, promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution between couples. He urged spouses to exercise patience, tole...

  Rights Group Condemns Handling of Lagos Market Bloodbath The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has strongly condemned the handling of the killings at the Owode-Onirin motor spare parts market in Lagos, describing recent developments as a “disgraceful display of impunity and abuse of state power.” In a statement signed by its President, Alex Omotehinse, the group criticised the release of three police officers implicated in the killing of seven traders, as well as the bail granted to alleged land grabber Abiodun Ariori, accused of masterminding the attack. Omotehinse said, “The Nigeria Police Force has once again chosen the path of cover-up and selective justice by transferring the implicated officers to Abuja instead of prosecuting them in Lagos—an orchestrated attempt to shield them from public scrutiny and deny the victims’ families justice.” He described the police’s claim of self-defence as “a mockery of justice,” insisting that self-defence cannot be invoked ...

  US Rights Groups Urge Review of Kanu’s Detention, Call for Dialogue Three United States–based human rights and self-determination advocacy organisations have voiced concern over recent remarks by President Bola Tinubu referencing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a joint statement issued on Thursday, Advocates for Victims of Injustice and Discrimination (AVID), Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination warned that such comments could prejudice public perception of ongoing legal proceedings involving IPOB and its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The groups urged the Nigerian authorities to focus on confronting violent groups responsible for killings and displacements across the country, while ensuring that all actions remain consistent with due process and respect for human rights. They cautioned that prolonged detention and inflammatory rhetoric could inflame public tensions and undermine national unity. The advocacy organisations further called on the United State...

  Meanwhile, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in what it described as disturbing cases of violence, conspiracy, and abuse of authority involving police officers. The organisation warned that failure to act swiftly could escalate into bloodshed and further erode public trust in law enforcement. At a press briefing on Tuesday, CHSR President, Alex Omotehinse, cited the case of one Mr. Kolawale Oluakamo, who alleged a series of threats, attempted murder, conspiracy, malicious damage, and intimidation linked to a land dispute in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. According to Oluakamo, the matter concerns four plots of land at Ijagemo Road, Tailor Bus Stop, valued at over ₦40 million. He claimed that the property lawfully belongs to his elder sister, who resides abroad, and that he has managed it for over a decade with valid survey documents and receipts. He recounted how, on 2 Februar...

The Delta State Police Command has held a lecture series for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state, focusing on cybercrime, law enforcement, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, police accountability, and community policing. This was contained in a statement issued in Warri on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Bright Edafe. According to Edafe, the initiative is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to revive interactive sessions with corps members nationwide, aimed at reshaping their outlook on civic responsibilities and nation-building. He explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had directed him to deliver the lecture at the NYSC orientation camp as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day. Nigeria celebrates Independence Day annually on October 1, commemorating the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1960. The day is usually ma...