Human and Community Rights Centre (HCRC) Blog

  PRESS STATEMENT HUMAN AND COMMUNITY RIGHTS CENTER (HCRC) DATE: 31st March, 2026 RE: CONDEMNATION OF THE RECENT KILLINGS IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE The Human and Community Rights Center (HCRC) strongly condemns in the clearest possible terms the recent wave of brutal killings in Jos, which have resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many families in anguish. These senseless and barbaric attacks are a grave violation of the fundamental right to life as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. HCRC is deeply concerned about the recurring nature of violence in Plateau State and the apparent inability of relevant authorities to put an end to these persistent attacks. The continued loss of lives in such circumstances raises serious questions about the adequacy of existing security measures and the protection of vulnerable communities. We therefor...

  PRESS RELEASE HUMAN AND COMMUNITY RIGHTS CENTRE (HCRC) March 22, 2026 HCRC CONDEMNS IN STRONG TERMS THE SEXUAL VIOLENCE AT OZORO FESTIVAL The Human and Community Rights Centre (HCRC) expresses its deepest outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the disturbing acts of sexual violence reportedly perpetrated against women during a recent festival in Ozoro, Delta State. No society that claims to uphold justice, dignity, and humanity can tolerate the brutalization, humiliation, and violation of women under any guise whatsoever. The reported incidents—where women were allegedly harassed, stripped, assaulted, and dehumanized in public—represent a grave assault not only on the victims but on the collective conscience of our nation. Let it be made unequivocally clear: there is no cultural, traditional, or social justification for sexual violence. Any practice or gathering that enables or excuses such acts is not culture—it is criminality in its most reprehensible form. These acts constitu...

  Stakeholders from the South-East region — including traditional rulers, human rights advocates, legal practitioners, and representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations — were reportedly moved to tears during a public presentation detailing alleged human rights violations by a police unit in Imo State. The report, presented in Enugu by Amnesty International, detailed allegations of torture, rape, prolonged detention without trial, and extrajudicial killings at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Owerri, popularly known as 'Tiger Base.' The unit operates under the Imo State Command. Titled “Tiger Base of Atrocities: Human Rights Violations by Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri,” the report covered investigations conducted between May 2025 and February 2026. It was presented by Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi. According to the report, officers attached to the unit allegedly engaged in prolonged arbitrary de...

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called upon the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, to revitalise the dormant Human Rights Desks across police commands nationwide. The association further urged the IGP to confront the deeply entrenched issues of corruption, impunity, and unprofessional conduct within the Nigeria Police Force. It emphasised that meaningful reform would require more than public assurances and rhetorical commitments. HURIWA advised the new police chief to take decisive and practical steps to address internal divisions within the Force and to restore public confidence, which it noted had been severely eroded by misconduct and criminal behaviour attributed to certain officers. The group also recommended an overhaul of police barracks and stations throughout the country, advocating for the development of modern and hygienic facilities to ensure that officers operate in decent and professional working environments.

  Civil Society Groups Demand Direct Access to African Human Rights Court A coalition of 24 Nigerian and international civil society organisations has called upon the Federal Government to grant Nigerians direct access to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In a joint statement addressed to the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, the organisations urged the government to make and deposit the declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol Establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Such a declaration would permit Nigerians and eligible non-governmental organisations to approach the Court directly after exhausting domestic remedies. The statement followed a letter sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Although Nigeria ratified the Protocol establishing the Court in 2004, it has yet to make the optional declaration required to enable direct access. The coalition contends that this omis...

  Oluwo Calls for Abolition of Harmful Cultural Practices Violating Human Rights The Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to support the abolition of what he described as barbaric and unconstitutional cultural practices that endanger public safety and infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights. The monarch made this appeal in Ikeja, Lagos State, during the unveiling of “Diary of an Audacious Reformer,” a book written in honour of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The book was authored by veteran journalist and Razornews Chief Executive Officer, Sunday Odita, and chronicles Egbetokun’s professional journey, highlighting reforms credited with enhancing efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force. Speaking at a panel session titled “Institutional Collaboration as a Tool for Counter-Terrorism and Crime,” Oba Akanbi urged security agencies to take decisive steps to curb certain traditional practices. These include th...

  Engineers Advocate Ethical Artificial Intelligence to Safeguard Human Rights Engineers across Africa have called for the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence to address insecurity, forced labour, and human trafficking.  Nigerian software engineer Ayotunde Somoye emphasised that AI should assist human investigators rather than replace human judgment.  He noted that AI can help identify early warning signs and irregular recruitment patterns while ensuring that final decisions remain with people to protect human rights and maintain accountability.

  NHRC Records 3,019 Human Rights Complaints in Kano State in 2025 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reported receiving 3,019 human rights complaints in Kano State between January and December 2025. Of these, 2,276 cases were concluded, while 743 remain ongoing.  Major complaints included child rights violations, domestic violence, law enforcement abuses, and sexual and gender-based violence. The commission also recorded over 2,000 migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons during a statewide data-collection exercise.  The NHRC plans to intensify sensitisation campaigns and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders.

World Braille Day: Tinubu Calls for Digital Inclusion of The Visually Impaired  The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasised the importance of Braille as a vital tool for inclusion, dignity, and independence for blind and visually impaired persons, calling for stronger efforts to bridge the digital accessibility gap. In a message to mark World Braille Day 2026, observed on January 4, the First Lady said the annual commemoration provides an opportunity to reaffirm national and global commitments to equal access to information, education, and opportunities for persons living with visual impairment. She warned that as societies rapidly embrace digital transformation, accessibility must remain central to innovation, noting that technological advancement without inclusion could deepen existing inequalities. According to her, integrating Braille with modern technology is essential to ensuring equal participation in education, employment, and civic life for blind and ...

Foundation Trains 130 Students in Human Rights and Civic Leadership The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Nigeria has trained 130 students across four Nigerian universities as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance and national development. The initiative, known as the “Include Naija” project, is designed to promote fundamental human rights among young Nigerians and equip them with the skills required for active participation in democratic processes. The project runs from 2025 to 2027. The programme is being implemented at the University of Abuja (Department of Political Science), the Centre for Peace and Development, Veritas University, Bwari; the Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi; and the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano. The 2025 democracy capacity-building workshop, held at the University of Abuja, featured Professor Yusuf Zoaka of the University of Abuja; Dr Hauwau Mainoma of Nasarawa State University; Dr Chibugo Lebechi...

Rights Groups Protest Alleged Rising Repression Meanwhile, a coalition of labour activists, pro-democracy organisations and civil society groups has staged a protest at the Oyo State House of Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Ibadan over what they described as increasing repression under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The coalition, comprising groups such as the Federal Workers Forum, Campaign for the Defence of Workers’ Rights, Take It Back Movement, Amílcar Cabral Ideological School, Africa Action Congress (AAC) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, alleged a growing pattern of arrests, intimidation and detention of citizens for expressing dissenting views. Addressing journalists during the protest, leaders of the coalition warned that the clampdown on activists, journalists and critics represents a deliberate attempt to shrink civic space and criminalise dissent, posing a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stabili...

Human Rights Are Non-Negotiable, Says Anambra Governor’s Wife The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has reiterated that human rights are fundamental and non-negotiable, stressing that respect for human dignity is essential to building a stronger and more just society. Mrs Soludo made this assertion in a press statement issued on Wednesday to mark the 2025 World Human Rights Day, observed globally on 10 December. She emphasised that every individual, irrespective of creed, culture, political affiliation or religious belief, is entitled to the full enjoyment of human dignity and fairness. According to her, understanding and preserving human rights are core values that sustain peaceful coexistence and societal progress. She described human rights as sacred, insisting that no individual should be denied the right to live in safety, thrive and succeed without fear or discrimination. Speaking on this year’s theme, “Let’s Stand for Equality, Freedom, and Dignity for All,” ...

  The Human Rights Institute of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-HRI) has expressed profound sorrow and serious concern over a disturbing petition submitted by the Ndibe family of Osili Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. The petition details the abduction and brutal killing of their only brother, Mr.Cornelius Emenike Ndibe, allegedly while in the custody of the Ndi Akaodo/Agunechemba security outfit in Anambra State. According to the family, Mr. Ndibe was forcefully seized on 31 May 2025, in full view of his young children and other family members. The revelation that he died the following day in custody has provoked widespread outrage and renewed fears over the rising disregard for human life among institutions charged with protecting the public. The NBA-HRI condemned the incident, describing it as yet another tragic reminder of the escalating pattern of avoidable deaths linked to state-affiliated operatives. The Institute lamented that lives appear to have lost value in Nigeria, asking: “Who...

UN Forum: Prof. Olawuyi Calls on World Leaders to Prioritise Human Rights in Addressing Global Insecurity. International law scholar and Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi (SAN), has urged world leaders to place human rights at the centre of global efforts to confront insecurity, conflict, and other interlocking crises. Professor Olawuyi, who also serves as the Global Vice-Chair of the International Law Association, delivered this message during a high-level plenary session at the 14th Annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights held in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2011 by the UN Human Rights Council, the Forum is the world’s largest yearly gathering on business and human rights. It convenes governments, corporations, civil society organisations, affected communities, and international institutions to advance the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Thi...

  The Oyo State Government has intensified its child protection efforts with the inauguration of a Technical Working Committee (TWC) responsible for drafting the state’s first comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy. The committee was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Honourable Toyin Balogun, during the second Oyo State Child Safeguarding Summit held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. The summit, organised by Haven Initiative in partnership with the ministry, brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, and child protection experts under the theme: “Strengthening Partnerships: Accelerating Safe and Protective Environments for Children in Oyo State.” Speaking through Mr. Diya Ogunjimi, Balogun described the event as “a collective call to action,” stressing that children continue to face increasing risks of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. She emphasised the need for coordinated and sustaine...

  Nigeria could be removed from the United States’ Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list if it takes concrete steps to address ongoing human rights violations, US Congressman Chris Smith said on Thursday during a congressional hearing on alleged Christian persecution in the country. The hearing followed former President Donald Trump’s recent claim that a “Christian genocide” is happening in Nigeria, alongside his announcement that the country would be designated a CPC. The Federal Government has denied any religious motive behind the insecurity, insisting that the crisis is driven by criminal activities rather than faith-based violence. Despite the government’s position, US officials remain concerned. Representative Smith reminded lawmakers that the CPC designation is not permanent and emphasised that Nigeria must demonstrate accountability. He noted that he had met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his delegation: “I raised the point that CPC is not for...

  Lagos CP Clarifies: No Police Officer May Search Personal Phones on the Road The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no law enforcement officer has the authority to search individuals’ phones on the road. CP Jimoh made this statement on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja. He emphasised that mobile phones are personal property. “Some people have seen my statement on TikTok, where I declared that no policeman should search your phone on the road. I stand firmly by that order,” he said. The Commissioner affirmed the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with young people through continuous dialogue, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives. Speaking at the event, which was themed “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforc...

  UNICEF Commends Kebbi State on Child Protection Bill, Advocates for Family Courts The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lauded the Kebbi State Government for the enactment of the Child Protection Bill, describing it as a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the state. Mr Michael Juma, Chief UNICEF Field Officer for Sokoto, made the commendation during the 2025 End-of-Year Review Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi. The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Juma highlighted that the passage of the bill would significantly protect vulnerable children, aid their reintegration into society, and ensure justice for minors who come into conflict with the law. “The Child Protection Bill represents a major step forward for Kebbi State. It will facilitate the release of children held in detention, reduce the harsh procedures minors face during trials, and create opportunities for them ...

  Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for allegedly defending terrorists operating in the North-West region. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA accused the government of selective enforcement of counter-terrorism laws, noting that the Kaduna-based cleric has repeatedly made public statements supporting armed groups. The rights group described it as morally indefensible that the Federal Government has continued to detain Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for nearly ten years over his call for the self-determination of the Igbo-speaking region, while turning a blind eye to Gumi’s alleged acts of incitement. “It is unjust that while Gumi consistently provides intellectual and media support to terrorists, advocating amnesty for killers and insurgents, the government has continued to suppress n...

  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that it received a total of 371,622 complaints of human rights violations in the month of September 2025, with the North-Central geopolitical zone recording the highest number of cases. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), made this known on Monday in Abuja during the presentation of the Commission’s September 2025 Dashboard Report. Dr. Ojukwu explained that the monthly dashboard offers an opportunity for a candid assessment of the human rights situation in Nigeria — not merely as statistics, but as reflections of “lost lives and neglected liberties.” “In September, the Commission received a total of 371,622 complaints of human rights violations across our state offices. These include cases of denial of access to justice, unlawful arrest and detention, domestic and sexual violence, torture, discrimination, and other forms of abuse,” Ojukwu stated. He added that the NHRC offices across the feder...