News
Activist Appeals to UN Over Alleged Child Trafficking in Delta State
Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, a Delta State-based human rights activist and member of the Take It Back Movement, has submitted a petition to the United Nations Office in Abuja, seeking international intervention in an alleged child trafficking and illegal adoption scandal involving Delta State officials.
The petition, dated August 16, 2024, was addressed to Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and the Head of the United Nations Country Teams in Abuja. Aghogho’s petition, acknowledged by the UN House registry and reviewed by South-South PUNCH, outlines a complex network of corruption and misconduct surrounding child trafficking investigations in Delta State.
Aghogho’s petition accuses UNICEF Nigeria’s Child Protection Chief and Representative of gross misconduct. Despite providing evidence, Aghogho claims that the UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations in New York cleared the implicated staff members and suggested sharing the information with other UN bodies. He pointed out limitations and jurisdictional issues in addressing such cases, calling for international court intervention.
The petition also alleges that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recognized violations of the Child Rights Act and Delta State’s adoption laws by state government officials, driven by financial motives. Additionally, the National Population Commission has reported that the Delta State Adopted Children Register has been missing since 1991.
Aghogho claims that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, and the State Security Service have been involved in falsifying investigation reports to protect suspects, including serving and retired judges. This, he argues, has undermined transparency and trust, making it difficult to hold those accountable for their actions.
Aghogho’s petition demands the creation of a special task force to investigate and address the alleged child trafficking and illegal adoption in Delta State. He calls for forensic evaluations of Adoption Orders and court records, protection for victims and whistleblowers, and increased transparency and accountability.
The petition also requests an extension of the investigation to include operations of certain institutions acting as ‘orphanage homes,’ illegal dealings with children by the Nigeria Police Force’s Juvenile Welfare Centre, and activities of the Child Development Department of the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, as well as the Delta State judiciary.
Aghogho urges the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to take urgent action, citing key UN treaties against illegal adoption and child trafficking, to which Nigeria is a signatory. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive investigation to address systemic issues and protect the rights and welfare of children in Delta State.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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