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NHRC Constitutes Panel for Human Rights Violations By SARS

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Tony Ojukwu NHRC Executive Secretary

 

By Alhasan Bala

In line with the National Human Rights Commission’s mandate and in response to the nationwide agitations by some Nigerian youth groups under the auspices of End SARS, the NHRC has constituted an 11-man Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) to look into allegations of human rights violations against the defunct SARS and other units of the force.

 

The Committee headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme  Court, Justice Suleiman Galadima will hear petitions, complaints, and memoranda from Nigerians across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu Esq. who made this known in Abuja Friday evening noted that the terms of reference of the Panel include, investigate all complaints of human rights violations against SARS and other units of the Police force,

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He says they will make appropriate recommendations as per the damages and compensations to be paid to the victims of Police brutality.

CASTRATION OF RAPE OFFENDERS: NHRC Urges El- Rufai To Withhold Assent

Tony Ojukwu Said the Panel is given the powers to refer any matter, in the course of their assignment to the Attorney General of the Federation, or that of a State for prosecution in accordance with the law.

 

The panel is empowered as well to make recommendations to the government on measures to be taken in respect of operatives of defunct SARS or officers of the Nigerian Police Force, if any, found in violation of human rights of citizens and propose remedial steps that may enhance the professional conduct of defunct SARS operatives, any succeeding unit and other members of the Nigerian Police Force and any other recommendations that may be considered appropriate.

 

Other members of the Panel are:

. Member – Abdulrahaman Yakubu

. Member – Yemi Ademolakun

. Member – Chioma Chuka

. Member – Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa

. Member – Tijani Mohammed

. Member – Dr. Uju Agomoh

. Member – DIG Ibrahim Lamorde

. Member – Dr. Garba Tetengi, SAN, mni

.Member – Feyikemi Abudu

.Member – John Aikpokpo Martins

.Secretary of the Panel – Hilary Ogbonna

 

Ojukwu also disclosed that all petitions, complaints, and memoranda must reach the Commission, which is the Secretariate of the Panel on or before 31 October 2020.

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I Gave Tijjani Gandu N10 Million to Support Musicians, Media but Funds Were Allegedly Not Distributed – Governor Yusuf’s Spokesperson

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The spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has alleged that popular singer Tijjani Gandu failed to distribute ₦10 million that was reportedly entrusted to him for musicians and media practitioners, according to a statement shared on the spokesperson’s verified Facebook page.

According to Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa,he has released the ₦10 million to Tijjani Gandu with the intention that the money would be shared among fellow musicians and members of the media as financial support. He claimed, however, that the funds were allegedly not distributed as intended.

Writing in Hausa on his verified Facebook page, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa stated: “Na bawa Yaron nan Tijjani Gandu kudi naira miliyan goma ya rabawa mawaka da ‘yan media ya cinye, amma wai har dashi a maganar masu amana.” The statement translates to: “I gave this young man, Tijjani Gandu, ₦10 million to distribute among musicians and media practitioners, but he consumed it all, yet he still speaks as though he is among the trustworthy.”

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According to the governor’s spokesperson, the allegation was made in response to ongoing public discussions regarding accountability and trustworthiness. He did not provide additional details on when the funds were allegedly handed over or identify the intended beneficiaries.

As of the time of this report, Tijjani Gandu has not publicly responded to the allegation made by Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. There has also been no official confirmation or independent evidence released to substantiate the claim beyond the spokesperson’s social media statement.

The allegation has generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on the claims made by the governor’s spokesperson.

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Oloyede Bows out as JAMB Registrar, Hands over to Prof. Aina

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the outgoing registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on Friday, said strong institutions built on integrity, technology and transparency remained the key to sustaining public confidence in the tertiary admissions system.

Mr Oloyede stated this during the handover ceremony to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, in Abuja, where he reflected on his 10-year stewardship and expressed confidence in the board’s future.

He said the board’s achievements were anchored on five cardinal principles: staff welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and networking, which guided reforms that strengthened the credibility of JAMB’s operations.

He added that staff welfare received unprecedented attention during his tenure through improved working conditions, rehabilitation and construction of office facilities across the country, and enhanced retirement benefits.

He said, “When I stood at the threshold of this national assignment 10 years ago, I understood the depth of the responsibility placed on me.

“I knew the privilege and burden of stewarding a process that opens the doors to millions of Nigerians.

“One thing I remembered clearly was that I was just like a general on a military expedition and to fight, I needed officers and troops.”

Recounting his achievements, Mr Oloyede disclosed that the board committed more than N8 billion to strengthen employees’ retirement savings and financial security.

He added that the board under his leadership also introduced a 13th-month salary, increased examination-duty incentives from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and provided daily meals for staff.

The outgoing registrar said that retired workers received benefits ranging from N3 million to N10 million, while medical interventions and performance-based rewards were also introduced to boost staff morale.

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Mr Oloyede, however, stressed that improved welfare did not diminish the board’s commitment to discipline.

He said more than 10 members of staff faced prosecution over various allegations of misconduct, noting that accountability remained non-negotiable in preserving the institution’s integrity.

Highlighting JAMB’s technological reforms, Mr Oloyede said the board expanded the use of biometrics, digital verification, CCTV surveillance, electronic payment platforms and remote monitoring systems to improve examination security and service delivery.

“I share the belief that we must all suffer for either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment. This is why discipline is incontestable as a cardinal principle of JAMB operations, and that accounts for the well-known remittances of scores of billions in operational surpluses to the government treasury.

“At the heart of our operational blueprint is technology, and we owe many of our far-reaching reforms to innovative technologies.

“Scaling up of computer-based test (CBT), improvement of digital architecture, creating a central admissions processing system (CAPS), advanced biometric and identity verification, CCTV monitoring, and others are some of the steps taken to make our operations seamless on rock-solid integrity,” he said.

He acknowledged that technology was not infallible, recalling recent operational challenges, but maintained that continuous innovation and internal vigilance remained essential.

He also said that transparency was institutionalised by publishing the board’s operational and financial activities and making the admission process more open and accountable.

According to him, the reforms have significantly reduced arbitrary admissions and strengthened public trust in the board.

Mr Oloyede also attributed some of JAMB’s achievements to collaboration with security agencies, tertiary institutions, the National Identity Management Commission, communications regulators, civil society organisations, the media and more than 1,000 accredited CBT centres.

He said the board had modernised its operations, reduced examination malpractice, strengthened accountability and restored confidence in Nigeria’s admission process.

“We made mistakes because we are human, and we corrected them. Whatever was done right was a collective effort, while I accept responsibility for whatever fell short,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the board’s institutional culture, dedicated workforce and robust systems would enable his successor to consolidate on the reforms.

He urged stakeholders to support the new registrar, saying the success of any institution depended not on an individual but on the strength of its systems and values.

In his inaugural address, the new Registrar, Mr Aina, pledged to preserve JAMB’s integrity while building a stronger institution driven by professionalism and accountability.

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Brilliant Minds Shine As Gusau Army Girls School Graduates 25, Amidst Low Enrollment

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The atmosphere was filled with pride and joy in Gusau as Command Science Secondary School (Girls) celebrated its graduation, speech, and prize-giving day on Thursday, 30 July 2026, graduating 25 exceptional students out of its 75 total enrollment.

Delivering her address, the Commandant of the institution, Major Fatima Jimoh, highlighted the school’s steady growth since its establishment by the Nigerian Army in May 2017. She noted that the institution has successfully produced 180 graduates to date, maintaining commendable academic performances in both West African Senior School Certificate Examination and National Examinations Council examinations.

Major Jimoh also highlighted recent milestones achieved since assuming duty in May 2026, including the restoration of regular solar-powered water supplies, administrative block renovations, revived school band performances, and heightened institutional discipline.

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While celebrating these achievements, the Commandant drew attention to critical challenges facing the school, such as the absence of a standard science laboratory, a dilapidated dining hall, leaking roofs, and inadequate staff accommodation, while appealing to the government, the Nigerian Army, and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent intervention.

She passionately urged parents and guardians to leverage the secure and disciplined learning environment provided by the academy to champion girl-child education by enrolling more daughters.

Representing the Special Guest of Honour, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, Lieutenant Colonel Gezawa Musa assured the school management and students of maximum operational and developmental support.

He charged the graduating Class of 2026 to remain focused on upcoming future challenges, uphold utmost integrity, and serve as worthy ambassadors of the prestigious institution.

The memorable event featured a colorful parade by the graduating students, lively cultural displays, intellectual debates, the launch of the school magazine, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding cadets.

 

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