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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.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.
Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”
During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 188, details the process for the impeachment of a state governor, requiring a structured legal framework that ensures due process and fairness.
According to the provision, impeachment begins when at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly sign a written notice accusing the governor of gross misconduct. The allegations must be clear, specific, and detailed to avoid ambiguity.
Once the notice is received, the Speaker of the House has seven days to serve a copy to the governor and distribute the governor’s response to all assembly members.
Within 14 days, the House must vote on whether to investigate the allegations. This decision is made by motion without debate and requires a two-thirds majority to proceed. If passed, the Chief Judge of the state is mandated to appoint a seven-member panel within seven days to investigate the allegations. This panel must be composed of individuals who are not members of a legislative house, public service, or political party.
During the investigation, the governor has the right to defend himself personally or through legal representation. The panel has three months to complete its inquiry and submit its findings to the assembly.
If the panel concludes that the allegations lack proof, the impeachment process is terminated. However, if the panel finds the allegations proven, the assembly must, within 14 days, vote on the report. A two-thirds majority vote in favor results in the governor’s immediate removal from office.
This process ensures that impeachment is not arbitrary but follows a clear legal and procedural path, reinforcing democratic accountability in governance.
Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.
The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.
Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Trump revokes security details for Biden’s children
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Four suspected kidnappers shot dead in gun battle with police in Delta
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Four suspected kidnappers shot dead in gun battle with police in Delta