Human and Community Rights Centre (HCRC) Blog

Federal Government Said Simon Ekpa Will not be Extracted to Nigeria Until the Conclusion of His Trial in Finland. News: 8/5/2025   The Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN said Simeon Ekpa, (Biafra agitator) will not be extradited to Nigeria until he concludes his trial in Finland. That the offence committed is a cross-border offence and as such, he needs to be tried in Finland also. The AG added that, Simon would be returned to Nigeria after the conclusion of his trial in Finland. He said: “On the matter concerning Simon Ekpa, I want to let you know that he committed cross-border offences. He violated laws in both Finland and Nigeria. He was arrested there and the Finnish authorities want to deal with the situation first and afterwards, release him to us. So, we will allow them to finish with the engagement there and then hand him over to us.” Photo Credit:Pexel

  87 Rights Groups Condemn Arrests of Activist’s Relatives in Hong Kong A coalition of 87 international and diaspora-based human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, has strongly condemned the arrest of the father and brother of exiled US-based activist, Anna Kwok, by Hong Kong authorities. The groups described the move as a disturbing escalation in the Chinese government’s ongoing campaign of cross-border repression. Kwok Yin-sang, aged 68 and father of the activist, has been formally charged under Hong Kong’s national security law—a statute that carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. Her brother was also detained but has since been released on bail. Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated: “The Hong Kong authorities have taken an unprecedented step by charging the relative of an exiled activist under national security laws in an attempt to silence her. This act represents a grave assault on fundamental liberties.” The groups...

  NBA Calls for Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Abuses at Kano Correctional Facility The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano Branch, has called for an independent and thorough investigation into serious allegations of human rights violations at the Gorondutse Correctional Facility in Kano State. The association specifically urged the Kano State Government to establish a panel of inquiry to ascertain the veracity of claims relating to sexual abuse, particularly sodomy, inadequate food and nutrition, instances of starvation and malnutrition, and prolonged detention in violation of established legal standards. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the NBA Kano Branch, Usman Umar Fari, and made available to The Guardian, the association stated that its attention was drawn to these grave allegations following the circulation of a viral interview granted by one Shehu Adamu, a former detainee of the facility. According to the statement: “Our attention has been drawn to a viral...

  Former UN Judge Jailed in UK for Enslaving Fellow Ugandan In a landmark judgment, a United Kingdom court has sentenced Lydia Mugambe, a 50-year-old Ugandan national and former judge at a United Nations criminal tribunal, to six years and four months in prison for modern slavery offences. The court found that Mugambe had enslaved a fellow Ugandan woman, forcing her to work without pay while she pursued a doctoral degree in law at the University of Oxford. According to the court proceedings, the victim was compelled to perform domestic duties and provide unpaid childcare services at Mugambe’s residence in Oxfordshire, southeastern England. In accordance with UK legislation, victims of modern slavery are granted lifelong anonymity; therefore, the identity of the victim remains undisclosed. Mugambe was convicted on four counts under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, including charges of arranging or facilitating travel for the purpose of exploitation and imposing forced or compulsory labo...

  NOA Pledges Renewed Commitment to Eradicating FGM and Rights Violations in Ekiti The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ekiti State has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM), curbing human rights abuses, and promoting environmental cleanliness across the state. Speaking during a sensitization programme held in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the State Director of the NOA, Mrs Kemi Akomolafe, expressed the agency's determination to eliminate FGM and enhance public awareness concerning personal hygiene and human rights. “NOA remains resolute in its efforts to completely eradicate female genital mutilation, particularly among women and children in Ekiti State. It is imperative that citizens take responsibility for their actions and actively contribute to the development of the state,” she stated. The event, which took place in the state capital, brought together representatives from several key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission (N...

  Global May Day Protests Highlight Workers’ and Immigrants’ Rights On 1 May 2025, widespread demonstrations took place across several nations — including France, Germany, Turkey, Japan, and the United States — as part of the annual International Workers’ Day observances. Protesters voiced demands for fair wages, gender equality, universal healthcare, and an end to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. In Tokyo, Japan, demonstrators called for a range of urgent measures, including wage increases, gender parity, enhanced healthcare, disaster preparedness, a ceasefire in Gaza, and a halt to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to ABC News. In the United States, over 1,000 rallies were reportedly organised by a coalition of trade unions, student associations, grassroots movements, and the 50501 campaign. Participants denounced the policies of the Trump administration and its affluent backers — notably Elon Musk — accusing them of undermining labour protections and targeting immigr...

  Progress in Combating Violence Against Women in Africa On 2 May, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is scheduled to convene its first public session since two pivotal developments in the advancement of women’s rights in Africa: the adoption by the African Union of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG), and the ACHPR’s own adoption of a landmark resolution calling for the development of guidelines to eliminate obstetric violence and promote maternal healthcare across the continent. This session presents a critical opportunity for the Commission to champion transparency and mobilise concerted action on both fronts. The resolution on obstetric violence, adopted in March, represents a significant step towards preventing and addressing this pervasive violation of women’s and girls’ rights — including their rights to life, health, dignity, education, and bodily integrity. Obstetric violence encompasses mistreatment, abuse, and a lac...