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NAPTIP advocates equal punishment for gravity of GBV Cases

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DG NAPTIP

Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has called on Judges to serve punishment worth the gravity of offences in trafficking cases.

The D-G made the call in a statement in Abuja by Mr Vincent Adekoye, the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the agency.

It stated that Waziri-Azi made the call at the opening session of a two-day capacity building workshop of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJN), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The D-G appealed to Judges across the federation to place same measure of sanction on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases.

She stated that human trafficking offenders and perpetrators of SGBV should be served with sentencing commensurable with the magnitude of offences committed, to send signals and serve as a deterrent.

CITAD Decries Alleged Gender Based Violence At Kano Higher Institution

She noted that some of the offenders often went home with light sentencing in the past, adding that the agency had recorded cases of repeat offenders and this posed great danger to the society.

According to her, Judges have indispensable roles to play in the eradication of human trafficking, curtailing of rapes and minimising cases of SGBV.

She stressed that it was important for the judges to be adequately acquainted with the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (TIPPEA).

“The aim of the Act as stated in section 1 is to provide an effective and comprehensive legal and institutional frame work for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of trafficking offenders and other related crimes.

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“The Act is also to promote and facilitate national and international cooperation. I am pleading with you all my Lords, the Judges to always consider the stiffer penalties and convictions that are commensurable with the magnitude of crime.

“This is very important as it serves as deterrent and it will assuage the trauma of the victims.”
She enumerated some of the operational challenges faced by the agency to include low reportage, the relationship between suspects and victims, lack of cooperation from the source/vulnerable communities.

Others are difficulty of procuring witnesses from remote areas, unavailability of lawyers to take up civil cases on behalf of victims on Pro-Bono basis, and this is making it difficult for victims to get compensation from their traffickers.

Waziri-Azi also disclosed that the agency had secured conviction of 519 traffickers, rescued and counselled 17, 727 victims.

It also sponsored 17 victims to higher institutions out of which 3 were employed in the service of the agency.

Others according to her, are establishment of 20 State Task Forces across the Country and increased partnership with diverse stakeholders with a reloaded advocacy and sensitisation.

The statement also reported Justice Ibrahim-Tanko Mohammed, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, as saying that SGBV against women were severe human rights violations that must be addressed with all seriousness.

According to him, the roles of female judges in the adjudication of gender based issues cannot be over emphasised.

The statement also disclosed that at the first technical session, Justice Amina Augie, Justice of the Supreme Court, and the female judges were angered by reasons victims of human trafficking and other abuses were in pitiable traumatic state.

Augie stressed that victims had continued to nurse the wounds inflicted on them by heartless traffickers.

Having been exploited, the traffickers are often pampered erroneously or unintentionally with light sentencing.

She pleaded with judges who presided over such cases to consider the plight and exploitation of victims in deciding the cases of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Augie urged the judges to overlook some of the salient technicalities which often denied victims adequate justice, and commended NAPTIP DG for her tireless efforts in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.

The female Judges, however, called for synergy among law enforcement agencies in tackling such cases in the country.

They also called for advocacy and awareness, to reduce the vulnerability of the people and get the Judges informed properly on all emerging counter trafficking legal frameworks.

The statement disclosed that the workshop was attended by judges, prosecutors, development partners, including Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants and other stakeholders. (NAN)

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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