News
NHRC condemns forced evictions in Lagos, urges stakeholders to dialogue on sit-at-home
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has condemned incidences of forced eviction of some residents and traders in Lagos and expressed concern over the lingering sit-at-home in the south eastern part of the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, said these actions raise serious human rights implications and noted with surprise the ongoing demolitions of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which displaced thousands of residents.
He lamented that these demolitions which are carried out without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, have left families homeless and livelihoods destroyed.
Ojukwu emphasized that such actions contravene constitutional guarantees of dignity, housing, and family life, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is committed.
A statement Wednesday by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed. Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have said- “The courts have issued pronouncements prohibiting forced evictions, yet these rulings are disregarded. This undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in governance.”
He insisted that development projects must never come at the expense of fundamental rights and calls for an immediate halt to demolitions to pave way for meaningful consultation with affected communities, and provision of adequate resettlement and compensation.
Similarly, while commending the Anambra State government for the decisive steps to stop the sit-at- home anomaly, the NHRC boss said the Commission is troubled by the closure of Onitsha Main Market following traders’ compliance with the outlawed sit-at-home directive.
While both the government and the Commission see the sit-at-home directive as illegal and an economic sabotage, the Commission advises that collective punishment of traders through market closures raises questions about the right to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.
The Human Rights Advocate expressed worries that the economic impact of the sit-at-home is staggering, with the Anambra State Government estimating losses of ₦8 billion every Monday.
Traders have also consistently cited fear of violence as the reason for compliance, underscoring the need for stronger protection and confidence-building measures.
He urged the Anambra State Government to prioritize dialogue, ensure adequate security for traders, and adopt measures that safeguard both economic activity and human rights.
Dr. Ojukwu reiterated that development, law enforcement, and economic governance must be pursued in ways that respect fundamental rights. Forced evictions and collective sanctions erode trust in government, deepen social vulnerabilities, and risk fueling instability, he emphasized.
He warned that Nigeria’s progress must be anchored in justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of its citizens, adding, the Commission will continue to monitor these situations closely, engage with relevant authorities to ensure that Nigeria’s development and governance remain consistent with its human rights obligations.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News9 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
-
News3 years agoTsunami: Tinubu orders dissolution of managements, boards of MDAs, to sack all Buhari’s political appointees