Abdulganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi (1938 - 2009)

Lawyer & Civil Rights Activitist

A legend in Nigerian activism, he kept the light of civil liberties burning till the his final hour.

Three Dead, 13 Injured After Riot at Georgia State Prison

Three inmates have died and 13 others were injured following violent clashes at a medium-security prison in Davisboro, Georgia, U.S., authorities confirmed. Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran said the incident occurred early Sunday afternoon, with several major fights breaking out among inmates. Two died at the facility, while one succumbed to injuries in hospital.

The prison, with a capacity of 1,548, saw multiple inmates transported for medical treatment. Cochran noted that prison disturbances are not uncommon, but the scale of this riot was unusual. One guard may also have been injured during the chaos.

The Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia identified one deceased inmate as Jimmy Stillwell Trammell, due for release next week after a 10-year sentence. Video shared by the coalition shows inmates fleeing the building amid the violence.

State troopers, local police, and the coroner’s office responded to the scene. Fatal incidents in U.S. prisons are rare but have occurred in recent years following inmate altercations.

Was Deadly Force Justified? Why an ICE Agent Shot a Motorist in Minneapolis During Immigration Raids—and How This Killing Is Reigniting America’s Immigration and Police Brutality Debate

Was the fatal shooting of a motorist by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis an act of self-defence—or a troubling escalation in America’s immigration crackdown? And how far is the U.S. government willing to go in enforcing immigration laws under the Trump administration?

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a woman during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after authorities said she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers. The incident occurred in a residential neighbourhood as ICE carried out what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as “targeted operations” connected to an ongoing nationwide enforcement surge.

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the confrontation unfolded after protesters reportedly surrounded officers at the scene. She alleged that the woman “weaponized her vehicle” in an attempt to run over federal agents—calling the act “domestic terrorism.” The woman was shot inside her car, but as of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released her identity or confirmed whether body-camera footage would be made public.

Why is this incident causing such outrage? The killing comes amid a dramatic expansion of federal immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities. Just one day earlier, DHS announced the deployment of approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a sweeping crackdown linked in part to alleged fraud involving members of the Somali community. The announcement immediately heightened tensions in a region already sensitive to aggressive immigration operations.

Following the shooting, crowds of protesters flooded the area, chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!”—slogans that have echoed across other U.S. cities experiencing similar raids. Civil rights advocates and community leaders have called for an independent investigation, demanding transparency around the use of deadly force by federal officers during immigration operations.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly condemned the federal presence, accusing ICE of destabilising the city. “Immigration agents are causing chaos in our city,” he said, insisting that federal authorities leave Minnesota and affirming the city’s support for immigrant and refugee communities.

What does this mean for immigration enforcement in America? The shooting is being widely seen as a turning point in an already polarising national debate over immigration, policing, and the militarisation of federal law enforcement. With Minneapolis now emerging as a flashpoint—alongside cities like Los Angeles and Chicago—the incident raises urgent questions: Are ICE operations becoming more dangerous for both officers and civilians? Is the use of lethal force becoming normalised in immigration enforcement? And will federal authorities face greater scrutiny or legal challenges over how these operations are conducted?

As investigations loom and public anger grows, the Minneapolis shooting is likely to intensify political battles over immigration policy, civil rights, and the limits of federal power—reshaping how America confronts one of its most divisive issues in the years ahead.

Jihadist Fulani Bandits Responsible for Over 70% of Violent Attacks on Nigerian Communities and Churches in 2025 – InterSociety Report Warns of Grave Threat to National Unity

A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has revealed that jihadist Fulani bandits and herdsmen were responsible for more than 70 per cent of violent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship across Nigeria in 2025. The civil rights group warned that the scale, coordination, and persistence of the violence pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s national unity, sovereignty, and constitutional secularism.

According to the report, mass killings and church destructions have been systematic and well-coordinated since June 2015, with Christian communities in the Middle Belt, North-East, Southern Kaduna, parts of Kebbi, Katsina, Ondo State, and Eha-Amufu in Enugu State bearing the brunt of the attacks. InterSociety accused successive Nigerian governments of presiding over what it described as an “ethno-religiously polarised state,” alleging that violence against Christians has intensified under official watch.

The organisation claimed that jihadist Fulani bandits and herdsmen have emerged as the most widespread and deadly terror groups in Nigeria, allegedly carrying out attacks framed around “convert to Islam or die” campaigns. It further alleged that controversial government policies such as RUGA settlements, grazing reserves, and ranching initiatives indirectly enabled armed herders to settle among indigenous Christian populations.

InterSociety also raised concerns over forest security, questioning how armed groups gained access to detailed forest location data after a reported 2015 forest-mapping exercise by the Nigerian Army. Despite the grim findings, the group said international pressure helped save at least 600 Christian lives and dozens of churches in 2025, crediting advocacy on religious freedom and diplomatic interventions.

The report singled out U.S. President Donald Trump for what it described as interventions that helped avert further attacks during the Christmas and New Year period, while also praising the United States and Canada for their roles in defending religious freedom in Nigeria. At the same time, InterSociety criticised the silence of some Nigerian Christian political leaders and called for urgent domestic and international action to prevent further destabilisation of Africa’s most populous nation.

Imo Shrine Dispute: Traditional Worshippers Accuse Tiger Base Police, Christian Groups of Torture, Midnight Raids and Religious Intolerance

A long-running religious conflict in Uru, Isi Ogwa autonomous community of Imo State has resurfaced, as traditional worshippers under the Nde Odinala Uru accuse community leaders, Christian groups and the notorious Tiger Base police unit of arrests, torture and intimidation. The crisis, which began in 2006 after the destruction of a sacred shrine during a Christian crusade, allegedly escalated into midnight raids, prolonged detention, extortion and human rights abuses. Victims described the Tiger Base facility as a “dungeon,” alleging torture, overcrowding, and psychological trauma, while insisting the crackdown was driven by religious intolerance. Community leaders have denied orchestrating the arrests, but civil rights advocates are calling for urgent investigations amid growing scrutiny of Tiger Base operations.

Anambra Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Raises Alarm, Accuses Lawmaker, Others Of Plotting Threats To His Life And Family

Human rights lawyer and civil rights activist, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has raised serious alarm over what he described as an imminent and grave threat to his life and the safety of his family, allegedly involving an Anambra State lawmaker and other individuals. Ejiofor made the disclosure in a strongly worded statement dated December 25, 2025, calling for urgent public, national, and international attention to what he termed a calculated campaign of intimidation and hostility against him.

Ejiofor, a native of Oraifite in Anambra State, alleged that the threats were being orchestrated by Vincent Dike, Ugochukwu Nnajiofor—also known as “Man Pass Man”—and Ikenna Ofodeme, whom he identified as the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly. He stated that while he was neither alarmed nor unsettled by what he described as covert tactics, he considered it his solemn duty to place the matter on record with clarity, firmness, and resolve.

The lawyer said he was fully aware of the alleged plans, intentions, and machinations currently in motion, warning that all individuals involved, whether acting directly or through proxies, would be held accountable. He strongly condemned what he described as attempts to exploit the festive season as a cover for intimidation, lawlessness, or malfeasance, describing such actions as utterly reprehensible.

Ejiofor further warned that any harm to him or members of his family would not be considered accidental but would be treated as a deliberate act with serious legal and moral consequences. He stressed that such an incident would attract close scrutiny from law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and the international community.

He disclosed that relevant security and statutory authorities had already been formally notified and that necessary alerts had been lodged, adding that he was awaiting decisive intervention in line with the rule of law and the sanctity of human life. Despite the alleged threats, Ejiofor reaffirmed his commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and the safety of his community, declaring that he remains steadfast, resolute, and unwavering in the face of intimidation.

Officials Behind Alleged Alteration Of Nigerian Tax Reform Laws Must Be Prosecuted — CHRICED Warns Of Assault On Democracy, Demands Arrests

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials allegedly involved in the secret alteration of Nigeria’s tax reform laws after their passage by the National Assembly. The civil rights group described the alleged tampering as legislative forgery, a gross abuse of public trust, and a direct violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
According to CHRICED, provisions contained in the gazetted versions of the tax laws were never debated or approved by lawmakers, including clauses granting tax authorities sweeping powers to seize funds without court orders, compel taxpayers to pay 20 per cent of disputed assessments before filing appeals, and mandate the use of the US dollar for tax computation. The organisation also alleged unauthorised alterations to petroleum income tax and value added tax provisions.
Citing Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, CHRICED warned that any post-passage alteration of legislation is illegal and undermines democracy, the rule of law, and investor confidence. While acknowledging the House of Representatives’ decision to set up an investigative committee, the group demanded an independent and transparent probe, suspension of the affected tax laws, full public disclosure of findings, and the prosecution of all culpable officials, regardless of status.

Whistleblower Accuses Tinubu-Linked Alpha-Beta Consulting Of Systematic Tax Evasion, Petitions Police, EFCC, ICPC Over Under-Remitted Staff Taxes

A former employee of Alpha-Beta Consulting Limited, Segun Oluwasanmi, has accused the Lagos revenue consulting firm—widely linked to President Bola Tinubu—of long-running and systematic tax evasion through the under-declaration of staff salaries and under-remittance of statutory taxes. The whistleblower has formally petitioned the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with copies sent to federal and Lagos State finance authorities. According to Oluwasanmi, Alpha-Beta allegedly split employees’ salaries into two parts, declaring and taxing only a smaller portion while concealing the remainder from tax authorities. Internal company correspondence attached to the petition, including an April 30, 2024 HR memo, reportedly confirms that a Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) audit uncovered tax under-remittance. The whistleblower further alleged that the firm later rebranded undeclared salary components as “reimbursable” payments to evade scrutiny, a practice he said negatively affected employees’ professional credibility and violated multiple Nigerian laws. Civil rights group CDHR, chaired by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), described the alleged conduct as fraud against the Nigerian state and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Alpha-Beta’s management in accordance with the law.

Lagos Police Commissioner Jimoh Accused of Plotting to Influence Court Judgment in Sowore’s “Wanted” Case

Fresh allegations have surfaced accusing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, of attempting to improperly influence a pending Federal High Court judgment in a fundamental rights suit filed by activist Omoyele Sowore. Sources told SaharaReporters that after Justice Musa Kakaki reserved judgment in the case challenging Sowore’s “wanted” declaration, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria raised concerns over alleged behind-the-scenes moves by the police commissioner, including seeking political intervention from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The allegations have sparked anxiety within legal circles, with civil rights advocates warning that any interference by security officials threatens judicial independence and the rule of law. Sowore maintains that the police action violated his constitutional rights, while the police insist the declaration was based on intelligence reports related to a protest in Lagos.

Nigerian Students Union NANS Begins Mass Mobilisation For October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest.

In an official statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, and dated October 13, 2025, the students body said the coordinated protest, themed “Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, would take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, with students from all geopolitical zones mobilising to Abuja.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In an official statement signed by its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah, and dated October 13, 2025, the students body said the coordinated protest, themed “Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, would take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, with students from all geopolitical zones mobilising to Abuja.

According to the statement, the decision followed resolutions reached at the NANS executive meeting presided over by the president himself.

“Following the resolution reached at the recent executive meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the leadership of NANS hereby calls on all Nigerian students to participate in the ‘Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’ nationwide protest scheduled to hold on Monday, 20th October, 2025,” the statement read.

To ensure effective coordination and a united front, NANS explained that students from across the country would first assemble at designated convergence points within their respective geopolitical zones before proceeding en masse to Abuja for the nationwide demonstration. In the South West, students are expected to gather in Ekiti State, while those from the South East will converge in Enugu.

The South-South zone will meet in Edo State, just as students from the North East are to assemble in Bauchi State. Their counterparts from the North West will gather in Kano State, while those in the North Central zone will converge in Lokoja, Kogi State, before the collective movement to the Federal Capital Territory.

The association disclosed that ten buses have been allocated to each zone to facilitate transportation of protesters, adding that logistics and other arrangements would be handled through Students’ Union Government (SUG) Presidents in the respective states and campuses.

“This mobilisation is part of the collective demand for justice, civil rights, and democratic accountability,” Isah declared. “As students, we affirm that freedom is achieved through struggle, and we remain committed to peaceful advocacy for what is right.”

The planned demonstration marks a national alignment by NANS on a politically sensitive issue, as Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention by the Nigerian government has remained a flashpoint of agitation, especially across the South East.

Ghana Accused of Dumping West African Migrants Deported From U.S. in Togo.

West African migrants deported from the United States to Ghana earlier this month have been transferred to neighbouring Togo by force, according to their lawyers, who are pursuing lawsuits in US, Ghanaian and regional courts alleging violations of fundamental human rights.

Of 14 people who landed in Ghana from the US on 6 September, lawyers say 11 were kept in detention. After around two weeks at a military camp near Accra, six of them were allegedly taken across the border to Togo.

"The deportees were forced by armed military guards to climb wire fences," said Samantha Hamilton, an attorney for Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), a civil rights organisation that has filed a lawsuit in the US on behalf of the migrants.

"A woman in her late 50s was thrown on the back of a motorcycle and smuggled across the border."

The lawyers believe that Togo was chosen for its proximity. It is two and a half hours' drive from where the deportees were held in Ghana.

Only two of the people removed between 18 and 19 September are Togolese nationals, according to their lawyers, the others hailing from other countries in West Africa.

"A Malian woman who only speaks Bambara was left to fend for herself in Togo. She was sexually assaulted and now she's been kidnapped, and her kidnappers are demanding a $50,000 ransom from her family," Hamilton told RFI.

Shehu Sani Applauds Tinubu’s Reward to Super Falcons & D’Tigress, Throws Subtle Shade at Past Governments

Former Senator and civil rights advocate, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on President Bola Tinubu’s recent recognition of Nigeria’s women’s football teams — the Super Falcons and D’Tigress.

In a post on his official X handle, Sani subtly praised the gesture while highlighting how previous administrations may not have done the same justice.

“Imagine what some people would have said if the Falcons and D’Tigress were just rewarded with N1m and told to go and meet the FCT Minister and the Senate President for a handshake and go home,” he wrote.

The post sparked online debates, with many interpreting it as both a jab at past governments and a nod of approval for Tinubu’s approach to athlete recognition.

President Tinubu recently hosted the teams at the State House in Abuja, awarding them national honors and cash prizes — a move widely celebrated as a win for women in sports.

#ShehuSani #SuperFalcons #DTigress #Tinubu #WomenInSports #NigerianAthletes #NationalHonors

Trump-Era Memo Targets Naturalized Citizens for Denaturalization, Sparks Civil Rights Concerns.

A newly released memo from the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration directs attorneys to prioritize civil denaturalization—revoking citizenship from naturalized Americans who committed certain crimes or misrepresented facts during their immigration process.

Published on June 11, the memo identifies 10 priority categories, including individuals linked to war crimes, gang activity, human rights ab¥ses, fra¥d, or lying on immigration forms. It also expands the Justice Department’s discretion to pursue such cases, including those tied to pending criminal charges.

Unlike criminal cases, civil denaturalization does not guarantee the right to a lawyer, and the government faces a lower burden of proof.

Immigration advocates warn this weakens due process and risks creating “a second class of U.S. citizens.” “It’s trying to create a tiered citizenship system,” said Sameera Hafiz of the Immigration Legal Resource Center.

The policy affects some of the 25 million U.S. citizens who immigrated to the country.

Critics fear it could be ab¥sed under vague criteria. On June 13, a judge revoked the citizenship of Elliott Duke, a UK-born U.S. military veteran, for failing to disclose a past conviction for distributing child abuse material. The memo reflects a broader realignment of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division under Trump.

The division has been tasked with ending DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, banning transgender treatments, and suing officials who block deportations. NPR reports that 70% of its attorneys left between January and May 2025.

Critics argue the shift abandons the division’s core civil rights mission and thr+atens long-standing legal protections.

“Nothing Democratic About Tinubu’s Government” — Lawyer Inibehe Effiong Slams Crackdown on Free Speech

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly condemned the Bola Tinubu administration, accusing it of undermining democratic values through continued attacks on free speech and dissent.

Effiong, known for his vocal stance on civil liberties, stated that the government’s handling of critics and online voices reflects a growing intolerance for accountability and public discourse, warning that democracy is being dangerously eroded under the current regime.

His comments have sparked renewed conversations about press freedom and civil rights in Nigeria.

#InibeheEffiong #TinubuGovernment #FreeSpeech #DemocracyInDanger #NigeriaPolitics #HumanRights