FCT DEPARTMENT OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT RESCUES CHILDREN FROM AN ORPHANAGE HOME

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, through the Department of Child Development under the Women Affairs Secretariat, has intensified efforts to protect vulnerable children with the commencement of a rescue and monitoring operation involving adopted children within the FCT, some of whom were reportedly brought in from Benue State.

The operation, conducted with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other security and social welfare agencies, led officials to an orphanage in Kagini, under the Bwari Area Council.

The intervention followed weeks of discreet investigations by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, led by the Director of Child Development, Dr. Idris Attah, over concerns about the orphanage’s operations and child welfare.

However, upon arrival, officials discovered the proprietress had fled hours earlier, abandoning the facility.

Authorities suspect her disappearance is linked to the investigation and possible violations of adoption and child protection laws.

Officials say Some of the rescued children have been identified and placed in protective custody, with arrangements underway for their safety, medical checks, and psychological support.

The FCT Administration reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Child Rights Act and sanitizing the adoption process, warning that offenders will face the law. Investigations continue as security agencies intensify efforts to locate the suspect and uncover the full scope of the orphanage’s activities.

Ex-Senator Elisha Abbo in Police Custody Over Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old.

Former Adamawa North lawmaker, Senator Elisha Abbo has surrendered to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja following allegations that he raped a 13-year-old secondary school student.

According to the victim’s parents, the alleged assault took place on June 29, 2025, at Abbo’s residence in Katampe, Abuja. They further claimed that after the incident, Abbo repeatedly tried to silence them by sending money to the girl’s father.

In a startling twist, the family alleged that Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani & a former 2023 Adamawa governorship candidate, visited their home to dissuade them from going public with the case.

Police sources confirmed that Abbo is currently being held at the FCID headquarters, where investigators are interrogating him.

“The matter is under thorough investigation & no stone will be left unturned,” a senior officer told reporters on condition of anonymity.

This is not Abbo’s first brush with scandal. In 2019, he made headlines when a viral video showed him assaulting a woman at a sex toy shop in Abuja. He also faced allegations of attempting to blackmail a married woman with a sex tape, further damaging his reputation.

The latest case has drawn strong condemnation from civil society groups, child rights advocates, and women’s organizations, who insist that justice must prevail. The Executive Director of the Child Protection Network (Lagos Chapter) described the case as “a test of Nigerian criminal justice system,” warning authorities not to succumb to political pressure.

Since losing his Senate seat in 2023, Abbo has remained in the public spotlight largely for controversies rather than political achievements. His arrest has already sparked heated debate across social media, with many Nigerians demanding swift prosecution.

As of press time, neither Abbo nor his legal representatives have released an official statement.

US Report Raises Concerns Over Security, Justice in Nigeria

The United States has flagged serious concerns over security, justice delivery, and labour rights in Nigeria, citing enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and lengthy pre-trial periods as persistent problems.

In its 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices, the US Department of State highlighted arbitrary bail conditions, indefinite detentions, judicial delays, and corruption within the justice system. It also noted that the new ₦70,000 minimum wage has been eroded by naira depreciation, with many workers excluded due to weak enforcement and gaps in the law.

The report further raised concerns over child rights, pointing to early marriage in several states despite federal laws setting 18 as the minimum legal age.

Reacting, the Presidency said the Tinubu administration is addressing the concerns, stressing that security coordination has improved, terrorism arrests validated government efforts, and judicial reforms are underway to tackle delays in the justice system.

#Nigeria #HumanRights #USReport

Man Impregnates His 13-Years-Old Daughter In Cross River.

A man identified as “Prayer” has allegedly impregnated his 13-year-old biological daughter in Ediba Community, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State

According to a reliable source who spoke to CrossRiverWatch in anonymity, the victim (name withheld) was impregnated by her father, Mr. Prayer, and was asked by the community to pay a fine of one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) Naira and marry her as punishment for the sacrilegious act.

The source alleged that “the mother of the pregnant teenager had separated from her husband “Prayer” due to his misconduct for about a year and left Ediba for Lagos, leaving the victim with her father.”

The source disclosed that the community is left in total shock and awe, describing it as barbaric and sacrilegious.

Prayer’s act is repugnant to the Cross River State existing Child Protection Act enacted in 2009 and assented into law by the former Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade, on 22 July 2023.

The law seeks to protect the right of every child from all forms of abuse, including sexual harassment.

There are eyebrows about what will be the action of the government and child rights advocates in the state.