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Barr. Hamza Raises Alarm on Police Brutality in Borno

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Barrister Hamza N. Dantani, has raised alarm on unlawful engagements by Nigeria police in Borno state.

In a letter addressed to the Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum, the constitutional and human rights lawyer stated that

” As a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, I am compelled by recent disturbing happenings regarding the conduct of specific units of the Nigeria Police Force operating within Borno State, particularly the Commander of RRS ( ACP Babalolo Adioye) and the Officer-in-Charge of Cracks Unit. ( ACP Mohammed Ibrahim)”

According to the Human rights advocate “citizens are being arbitrarily arrested in the Maiduguri metropolis without reasonable suspicion of having committed any crime. Disturbingly, after such arrests, these citizens are not charged before a competent court of law as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Instead, they are taken to a juvenile facility known as Tandari, where they are unlawfully detained at the pleasure of the authorities without a court order.”

“Even more troubling is the random nature of these arrests, where citizens going about their lawful business are picked up arbitrarily, linked to alleged offences they know nothing about, and confined in this facility without being charged before a court of law. This practice undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in law enforcement and government institutions.” He stated .

He noted that” the Constitution is clear on the lawful arrest and detention procedure. Section 35(1) guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, and subsection (4) stipulates that any person arrested must be brought before a court within a reasonable time. To guide against potential abuse, 35(5) defined the expression “a reasonable time” to mean 24 hours where a court of competent jurisdiction is within a forty-kilometre radius and 48 hours or more extended period as the court may consider reasonable in other circumstances.”

“There’s hardly any police station in Maiduguri without a court of competent jurisdiction within a forty-kilometre radius; nonetheless, this constitutional safeguard is routinely ignored”

“It is pertinent to state that no law vests in the governor or any executive authority the power to direct citizens to be detained in a remand home, juvenile facility, or any other holding facility without a valid court order. Such actions are ultra vires, unconstitutional, and amount to executive overreach in the case of Mil. Gov., Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, the court held that disputes as to the legality of acts of government are to be decided by Judges who are independent of the executive”

He pointed out that “the legal framework for establishing remand homes and centres for children in Nigeria includes the Children and Young Persons Act (now Children and Young Persons Laws of various states), the Child Rights Act 2004, and the Borstal Institutions and Remand Centres Act”

“However, all these laws have provided peculiar procedures for treating minors in contact with the law, and no child shall be detained without a valid remand order or conviction by a court’

He Observed that “remanding any child without a valid subsisting court order is inimical to the child’s right to liberty and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution and all the extant laws cited above, particularly the Child Rights Act 2004 (now domesticated as Child Rights Laws of various states)”

“We note also that the location of Tandari (Remand Home) in Maiduguri is around Gamboru near Kasuwan Shanu. The other area, previously around Custom near Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School, has now been converted to a rehabilitation centre for repentant Boko Haram terrorists. Against this background, it becomes even more alarming that such facilities are being used as arbitrary detention centres for ordinary citizens, in clear violation of both domestic and international human rights standards”

While calling on the state governor, Zulum to as matter of urgency curb the spate of police lawlessness in the state , he commend the efforts of the government saying that” we acknowledge the enormous security challenges facing Borno State and commend your tireless efforts to restore peace and normalcy. However, it is trite that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. A noble end cannot be pursued through ignoble means.”

“The fight against crime and insecurity must not come at the expense of the constitutional rights of the citizens, which the government is sworn to protect. The three wise men in the case of Dapianlong v. Dariye (2007) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1036) 239 lent their voice to the foregoing when they held that “where the Constitution is torn into shreds by the action or inaction of those who are charged with the responsibility of upholding it, the net result is that a culture of lawlessness is sowed into the psyche of the people. The end does not always justify the means.”

“we are not suggesting that suspected criminals should be shielded from the consequences of their actions. Instead, we insist that due process of law must always be followed. Arrest, investigation, prosecution, and punishment must all flow within the confines of the law, not outside of it. To do otherwise is to replace the rule of law with the rule of discretion, which our democratic order cannot sustain”

“The Supreme Court in the case of Ajuwon v. Gov., Oyo State (2021) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1803) 485 held that “the Nigerian Constitution is founded on the rule of law, the primary meaning of which is that everything must be done according to law.”

“we respectfully urge Your Excellency to:

  1. Direct the cessation of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions being carried out by the RRS Commander and OC Cracks, or any other security personnel in the State;
  2. Ensure that all citizens currently detained at Tandari or any other non-custodial facility are either charged adequately before a competent court of law in accordance with constitutional provisions, or released forthwith; and
  3. Reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and the fundamental rights of citizens, thereby strengthening public confidence in the rule of law.”

“History will remember leaders not only for the development they brought but also for how faithfully they upheld the Constitution and the dignity of citizens.”

“I trust that you will act swiftly to correct these grave violations and realign the actions of law enforcement agencies under your watch with the dictates of democracy, justice, and the rule of law”

Also copied are

Member, National Litigation Committee (Northern Zone) and

Member, Citizens’ Liberty Committee

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

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Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu

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Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.

The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.

Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.

Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.

The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.

Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.

As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.

With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “

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Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”

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CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda

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The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.

The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.

Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.

Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.

He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.

The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.

The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.

Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.

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