News
CASTRATION OF RAPE OFFENDERS: NHRC Urges El- Rufai To Withhold Assent
Alhassan Bala,Abuja.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the recent amendment of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law No.5 of 2017, providing stiffer penalties to the offence of rape, including castration of offenders, saying that castration in this regard negates human rights standards and principles and therefore should be jettisoned.
The Commission is therefore calling on the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to withhold his assent to the amended Penal Code Law until the State Assembly expunges the aspect of the law that stipulates castration of culprits “because this is contrary to Section 34 (1)(a) of the Constitution of Nigeria and its implementation therefore constitutes a violation of right to dignity of human person”.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu Esq. who stated this in Abuja weekend while reacting to new Kaduna State House of Assembly legislation on rape and other Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) observed that the said amendments violates Section 2(ix) of Anti-Torture Act of 2017, which outlaws “mutilation such as amputation of essential parts of the body such as the genitalia, ears or tongue and any other part of the body”.
According to the Executive Secretary, the amendment violates principal corpus of international human rights norms, including article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which provide that no one shall be subject to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. “Which means there can be no justification for torture, no exceptional circumstance whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as justification for torture”, the human rights Chief Executive Officer recalled.
The Commission, whilst acknowledging the power of the Kaduna State House of Assembly under section 4(6) and (7) of the Constitution of Nigeria “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the State or any part thereof,” states that in this circumstance, legislative power has not been exercised for the common good, for human rights and dignity of citizens of Kaduna State, he emphasised.
Ojukwu therefore restated that torture cannot be justified even with criminal jurisdiction exercised in accordance with internal law such as the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, otherwise it will be tantamount to legislating torture.
The Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria cited the 2017 Penal Code Law, wherein the offence of rape carried a sentence of 21 years imprisonment for the rape of an adult and life imprisonment for the rape of a minor, and “the Commission considers these provisions to be comprehensive in line with national best practices, whereas the new amendment is capable of undermining the progress Nigeria is making in the protection of human rights and advancement of the rule of law.
He stated the readiness of the Commission to work together with Kaduna State and relevant stakeholders to implement a state-wide strategy of combating rape and other sexual and gender-based violence(SGBV) which will be focused on social mobilisation and communication, enhance reporting of rape and SGBV cases, effective investigations and prosecution based on the pre-existing legal regime.
News
Governor Abba K. Yusuf Establishes State Private Sector Employment Policy Committee
In a significant move to promote equitable employment practices, Governor Abba K. Yusuf Of Kano state has announced the formation of the State Private Sector Employment Policy Committee. This initiative is aimed at domesticating the Federal Character Partial Principle within Kano State, ensuring that private sector organizations adopt fair and inclusive employment policies for both citizens and residents.
The newly constituted committee has been tasked with drafting a comprehensive state policy that will serve as a framework for equitable employment practices. This policy is expected to address disparities and foster inclusivity in the private sector, aligning with the broader goals of social justice and economic development.
The committee comprises a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from various sectors, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. The members include:
-Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhd, Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Resources, who will serve as the Chairman.
– Hon. Lawan Hussaini, Member of the State House of Assembly.
– Alh. Zubair Kuliya, Permanent Secretary, Manpower.
– Mustapha M. Nuraddeen, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
– Comrade Ado Salisu Riruwai, Chairman, Organized Private Sector Union.
– Alh. Hussaini Umar, Retired Director, Federal Character Commission.
– Comrade Mubarak Buba Yerima, Chairperson, Trade Union Congress, Kano.
– Alh. Nura Safiyanu Madugu, Chairperson, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
– Alh. Sabiu Yola*, Managing Director, KACCIMA.
– *Barr. Junaidu Muhammad Zakari, Chairman, Singer Market Development Association.
– Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director General, Kano State Debt Management Office.
– Dr. Sanaa Abdullahi Muaz*, Bayero University Kano.
– Barr. Sani Salihu, Legal Practitioner.
– Abdulrazak Alkali, Civil Society Activist.
– Alh. Mahmud Bala, Director, Industry and Cooperatives, Kano State Ministry of Commerce.
– Abba Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary, Science and Technology.
– Nasiru Salisu Zango, Journalist.
– Dr. Murtala Aminu Ibrahim, Bayero University Kano.
– Ibrahim S. Ahmad, Desk Secretary, Office of the Special Adviser on Political Affairs.
The committee’s diverse composition underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, drawing expertise from academia, civil society, legal practitioners, and industry leaders. Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhd, the committee’s chairman, expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing its potential to create a more equitable and dynamic workforce in Kano State.
This development has been lauded as a progressive step towards addressing employment inequalities and fostering a more inclusive private sector. The committee’s recommendations are eagerly anticipated, as they are expected to set a precedent for other states to follow.
The announcement was made by Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information, Government House, Kano.
News
Dep. Sen. President Received Kano SSG, Commissioner Sacked By Gov. Yusuf
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin has received Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and Muhammad Gambo Diggol, former SSG and Commissioner of Transport, recently sacked by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The Deputy Senate President thanked them for the visit.
Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin ,middle flanked by former Commissioner of Transport from right Muhammad Gambo Diggol and Abdullahi Baffa Bichi from right the former SSG
Their discussion remains sketchy at the time of filing this report.
Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the sacked Secretary to the Kano State Government, was a staunch supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement who ensured the victory of the NNPP.
News
Biafran Rebels Kill Cameronian Soldiers In Bakassi
Five members of Cameroon’s Rapid d’Intervention Battalions (BIR) were reportedly killed Friday morning, March 14, 2025, in the Bakassi Peninsula during an attack by Biafra separatist groups.
Sources close to the groups revealed that the assault was carried out by the Black Marine, the largest faction and the Dragon Fighter Marine afiliated with the Biafra Nations League (BnL).
“At around 6:00 am on Thursday, the group launched explosives, hitting their targets and neutralizing two warships,” the sources claimed.
This marks a violent resurgence months after the arrest of Simon Ekpa, with insiders citing lack of funds as a reason for the group’s previous inactivity.
Reacting to the attack, a source said, “The warships have been withdrawn. The situation is tense, and our men are fully back in action.”
BnL leader, Princewill Chimezie Richards said, “Biafra has come to stay in Bakassi not even Cameroon can stop us.”
Guardian
Governor Abba K. Yusuf Establishes State Private Sector Employment Policy Committee
Dep. Sen. President Received Kano SSG, Commissioner Sacked By Gov. Yusuf
Biafran Rebels Kill Cameronian Soldiers In Bakassi
Pro-Wike lawmakers adjourn indefinitely ahead of Fubara’s budget presentation
Ramadan: Speaker Abbas’s aide donates cash to Dala LG APC Leaders, Supporters
Governor Abba K. Yusuf Establishes State Private Sector Employment Policy Committee
Dep. Sen. President Received Kano SSG, Commissioner Sacked By Gov. Yusuf
Biafran Rebels Kill Cameronian Soldiers In Bakassi
Pro-Wike lawmakers adjourn indefinitely ahead of Fubara’s budget presentation
Ramadan: Speaker Abbas’s aide donates cash to Dala LG APC Leaders, Supporters
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