fbpx
Connect with us

News

Three Decades Later: Murtala Muhammad’s Family Advocates for Victims’ Rights Legislation Following Son’s Murder”

Published

on

Zakari Murtala Muhammad

 

THE family of the late former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, has expressed profound discontent with the prosecution of murder trials in Nigeria, urging the National Assembly to enact a legal framework for seamless prosecution.

The family expressed this in a statement on Tuesday in remembrance of their son and brother, Zackari Muhammed, a 27-year-old finance graduate of the University of Canterbury in Kent, who was shot dead in Abuja on August 13, 1993.

Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, a daughter of the late general, made the family’s position known at the 30th anniversary of Zakari Muhammed’s untimely death, held in Lagos at the weekend.

Muhammed-Oyebode said: “Precisely three decades ago, the life of our cherished brother was cut short. Even though the perpetrators were positively identified, all efforts to prosecute the case failed during the preliminary investigation and arraignment phase.”

Recalling the distressing circumstances surrounding Zackari’s tragic demise, Muhammed-Oyebode, a legal practitioner criticised the management of the case.

#

“The entire procedure was shrouded in confusion, and the ultimate conclusion was a glaring miscarriage of justice. To put a stop to similar developments in the future, a legislation that protects the rights of victims, a law that reflects the spirit of our nation should be enacted for Nigerians.

“These legislative measures unequivocally secure the rights of victims across the spectrum of criminal cases. On a global scale, victims’ rights are recognised as an essential component of human rights,” Muhammed-Oyebode said.

According to her, the establishment of such a legal framework will guarantee comprehensive protection for victims throughout the complex corridors of the criminal justice system.

She noted that the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Basic Principles of Justice for victims of crimes and abuse of power as early as 1985.

Muhammed-Oyebode further said: “The time has arrived for Nigeria to adopt a victim-centric legal paradigm. As we observe this solemn anniversary, we beseech our federal legislators to champion the passage of laws based on the principles of victims’ rights.”

Highlighting the repercussions of ignoring such legislation, Muhammed-Oyebode, said: “in the absence of this essential legal framework, unresolved crimes will continue to proliferate, fostering an environment conducive to unlawful killings and impunity.

“In cases where lives are unjustly taken, such as in murder cases, the rights of not only the immediate victim but also the secondary victims must be strengthened by providing them with the legal means to pursue justice and ensuring a fair trial.”

 

News

Arewa APC Merger Group Hails President Tinubu for Release of Detained minors

Published

on

 

The Arewa APC Merger Group has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his swift and compassionate response in ordering the release of detained minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa in Abuja, the group expressed gratitude for the President’s decisive action, which has brought renewed hope to many Nigerians.

The group commended President Tinubu for showing strong leadership on the issue, noting that his actions demonstrate a commitment to justice and the well-being of Nigeria’s youth.

They emphasized that this move reassures citizens of the President’s dedication to fairness and the protection of human rights under his administration.

The release order from President Tinubu came after the Arewa APC Merger Group took substantial steps to advocate for the detained children.

In response to reports of mistreatment, including allegations of malnutrition and poor conditions, the group provided essential food and support to the minors both at the Federal High Court in Abuja and while in custody.

This effort underscored the group’s commitment to the welfare of young Nigerians and their resolve to seek justice.

Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa stated that the group is encouraged by the President’s response and considers it a positive signal of his administration’s commitment to addressing national issues with compassion and responsibility.

The Arewa APC Merger Group remains hopeful that this action will set a precedent for prioritizing the rights and well-being of Nigeria’s youth across the country.

President Tinubu’s decision to release the children reflects his administration’s acknowledgment of the calls from various stakeholders to uphold justice and safeguard the future of young Nigerians.

The Arewa APC Merger Group expressed their appreciation for this significant step, which they believe will strengthen public confidence in the government’s dedication to the rights of all citizens.

#

Continue Reading

News

Breaking: Court Drops Charges Against Minors

Published

on

 

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out the charges brought against a total of 119 #EndBadGovernance protesters.

All 119 protesters were arraigned on Friday, November 1 on charges bordering on Treason felony, inciting to mutiny, among others.

#

The defendants were arraigned in two batches at the previous proceeding.

The first batch comprised a total of 76 protesters which included 32 minors and the second batch a total of 43 protesters.

The trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, struck out the suit following an application by the counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, M. D Abubakar, to take over and discontinue the matter.

Punch

 

 

 

Continue Reading

News

NNPP Crisis: Assembly Members Deny Factional Differences

Published

on

 

By Salisu Baso

As the crisis erupted within Kano’s ruling party NNPP, with some members calling for the governor to stand independently, the Kano State House of Assembly has denied knowledge of any of its members being involved in the rifts.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Lawan Hussain, representing Dala Constituency, revealed this to newsmen in an interview with journalists over the publication of an online newspaper, Daily Nigeria, stating that some members of the NNPP in the House have joined the factional crisis.

He described the news as a fabricated and mischievous story from unpatriotic elements planning to destroy the peace reigning within the party. He said that as far as the members of the House are concerned, there are no conflicts between the governor and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Majority Leader therefore assured the party parliament members of their solid support for the leader of the Kwankwasiyya and state governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, adding that the governor considers Senator Kwankwaso his mentor.

#

On the issue of some party members calling for the governor to be independent (Tsaya da Kafar Ka), Hon. Dala said the governor is operating independently without interference from any person. He therefore accused some opposition politicians from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, of sponsoring unpatriotic people to ignite a crisis in the state with a view to disrupting the government’s development initiatives.

 

Continue Reading

Trending