NBA Ikorodu condemns systemic pressure on rape victims, says justice must never be negotiated

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch has condemned the systematic pressure on rape victims and also added that justice must not be negotiated no matter who is involved.

In a statement signed by Tessy Osakwe, the

alternate chairman of the committee against Domestic violence, child’s rights and persons living with disabilities of the Nigerian Bar Association, of the ikorodu branch,noted that there has been troubling tales of rise in the withdrawal of rape cases by victim’s parents before justice is served.

She said that the branch through its Domestic Violence Committee, Child’s Rights Committee, and Persons Living with Disabilities Committee, expressed deep concern over this disturbing trend which happens due to societal, family, institutional, or even economic pressure.

“Our committees have observed, with alarm, that many survivors particularly children, women, and persons with disabilities are often compelled to abandon legal proceedings due to threats, shame, victim-blaming, or interference from influential individuals seeking to shield perpetrators from accountability.

“This act of silencing victims not only denies them justice, but also emboldens offenders, perpetuates impunity, and weakens public confidence in the justice system.

“We remind the public that rape is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, and its prosecution is not subject to private negotiation or family settlement’’.

“Every victim has the right to be heard, protected, and supported throughout the legal process,’’ she added.

The branch, therefore, called on the law enforcement agencies to act with independence, integrity, and diligence in rape investigations and ensure survivors are not intimidated.

“Judicial officers and prosecutors should offer timely and trauma-informed legal support to victims; traditional and religious leaders should refrain from encouraging “out-of-court settlements” in rape cases and instead support survivors in seeking justice.

“The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice and Office of the Public Defender should expand survivor support services, including safe shelters, psychological care, and legal aid.

“The media to maintain sensitivity in reportage and protect the identities and dignity of survivors.

“And the Civil society and community groups create safe spaces for survivors to report abuse without fear or shame’’.

She promised the survivors and their families that they are not alone as the NBA Ikorodu Branch stands with them.

“Justice may be delayed, but with courage, support, and advocacy, it must not be denied,’’ she assured.

ICAN Members Set To Drag Institute To Court Over Disputed Election Rule

– Members cry foul over third-party payment ban, seek High Court injunction

By Temitope Adeyemi, Legal Correspondent

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is at the centre of a brewing legal storm following the issuance of controversial election guidelines that could bar numerous members from voting in the upcoming 2025 council elections.

In a formal pre-action notice dated 23 May and addressed to the ICAN Registrar, the law firm Abimbola & Abimbola, acting on behalf of Mr [Name Withheld] and a coalition of affected members, challenged the legality of a new directive which prohibits the payment of annual membership fees via third parties in an election year.

Describing the guideline as “illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires”, the solicitors argued that it is inconsistent with the ICAN constitution, codified in Chapter 185 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“Our clients are troubled by the lack of constitutional authority for such a sweeping restriction,” wrote A.J. Arinze, Esq., the lead counsel.

“This directive appears designed to disenfranchise legitimate members from exercising their constitutional right to vote in the ICAN elections scheduled for Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

”The legal notice further demands that ICAN provide specific statutory backing for the controversial clause and cease enforcement immediately. Failing a satisfactory response by 1:30 p.m. today, the claimants intend to approach the High Court for an injunction and other reliefs.

Claimants seek immediate court protection

The members are preparing to seek:A declaration that the guideline is void and unconstitutional; An interim and interlocutory injunction restraining ICAN from implementing the directive; A ruling affirming members’ right to pay fees via any lawful means, including by proxy, friend, employer, or association; An order of perpetual injunction barring ICAN from delisting members over such payments; And ₦10 million in damages for emotional distress caused by the publication and enforcement threat.

The notice cites the “Supreme Court decision in Ojukwu v. Governor of Lagos State (1985) 2 NWLR (Pt 10) as a caution against executive overreach and unilateral action pending judicial review.

Awaiting ICAN’s response

As at the time of going to press, ICAN had not issued an official statement on the matter. However, sources within the institute indicate the new rule has caused internal concern, particularly with less than a week to the council elections.

Legal experts say the case, if filed, could have far-reaching implications for how professional bodies in Nigeria regulate internal elections and member participation.

“This dispute goes beyond procedure,” noted Dr A. O. Okoye, a lecturer in corporate law. “It touches on constitutional rights, transparency, and the democratic integrity of professional associations.”

The High Court filing is expected if no response is received before the deadline. Members are watching closely to see whether ICAN will revise its stance or face a protracted legal battle.

Showcasing Astronomic Achievements of Nigeria’s Most Sought-After Actress, Amandla Ebeye

Amandla Ebeye is a superb actress who has redefined the Nollywood industry. She is very active in all characters presented to her. Today, she stands tall as one of the most quintessential and dynamic movie stars in Nigeria. Managed by CMC Media led by Africa’s Most Prolific P.R.& Media Strategist Amb. Cornell Udofia who has a track Record in Promoting and managing super stars both in Nigeria and the Diaspora, this lady is flying very high, representing the Nigerian brand and performing expertly in her line of duty.

To be factual, Amandla Ebeye is from Ika Local Government Agbor Delta State and she commenced her career as a model due to her beauty and structure which every modeling agency admired. This was in the year 2006. The journey to prominence started right in front of her mother’s shop in Benin, Albridal by a modeling agency named Apple House.

What a fantastic lady and very gorgeous in all ramifications, Amandla has inspired quite a lot of Nigerian young girls to be focused on their careers and maintain very high standards of living. She is gradually stepping into the steps of the likes of Monalisa Chinda, Genevieve Nnaji and others and she is even there in their level.

A graduate of the prestigious Benson Idahosa University where she came out in flying colours, making the best of results in International Studies and Diplomacy, Amandla remains one of the very few educated actresses Nigeria can boast of.

As someone who knows what she wants for her life, Amandla left Benin, Edo State to Lagos for greener pastures and thank God, her dreams and desires came through. She became the face of Brands like United Bank of Africa, Unity Bank, Calypso, Etisalat, just to mention a few, working with Apple House.

As a very rugged and committed girl, Amandla began to seek acting jobs and was Introduced to the National Theatre in Iganmu Lagos where she met her best friend and business partner till date Aret Edet.

Aret Edet is another serious personality who wants the best for herself. She immediately ensured that they both attended auditions together and usually were always picked. This is due to the artistic prowess they were blessed with. Amandla saw this as an opportunity to kick-start a career that will take her to the greatest height in Nollywood.

This lovely actress took all her time to concentrate on making the best of whatever character was presented to her in every script she was cast in and till date, sha remains one of the most responsible female actors in Nigeria.

It was in one of the auditions Amandla encountered Charles Inojie who was directing a movie she was cast in.

Charles Inojie advised Amandla to keep coming for auditions because she was very talented.

Amandla’s first movie ever was a movie called “Weeping Tiger” directed by Valuchi and after that Amandla did some other movies before she clinched the role of Nurse Abigail in Paul Igwe’s Clinic matters which was life changing for the actress as she was the most loved in the sitcom.

The attention became so much and she was stopped everywhere as she was greatly loved.

Amandla Ebeye exited the sitcom after 39 episodes due to some disagreements with timing between herself and the director.

Amandla also left for Ghana to feature in Ifeanyi Onyeabor’s hit film tribe which earned her a best actress nomination at the NAFCA awards USA.

After that Amandla became unstoppable, she starred in “Governor’s babe” a movie produced by Uche Mbunabo and this earned her a best New actress nomination at the ZAFFAA awards UK.

Amandla was also nominated for The Nigerian Entertainment award USA, Best of Nollywood Awards, City people award. Amandla won the Classic media merit awards CAMA and Garden city Fashion awards.

Amandla went on to star in so many TV series like Super story, This life, Extended family and also did movies like Promise beyond, Tribe just to mention a few.

In 2016 Amandla birthed her first son in Canada Chukwunyem.

In 2018 She graduated as a director From Trebas Film Institute Canada and Produced a short film Horros which she starred in with her Son. Same 2018 she produced and partly directed the sitcom “It’s a crazy world”. This movie went on to be the number one series on Netflix Nigeria for 11 consecutive weeks and it also did well on Silverbird, TVC, NTA.

Amandla also had great support from Ifunaya Obiakor of Dano Milk who sponsored It’s a crazy world.

Amandla also produced and partly directed the series 30s single and bored which premiered on an African magic showcase.

As Amandla continued to grow older in life she rediscovered and re-invented herself in so many ways. One of which was changing the latin name Amanda to an African name, Amandla. Amandla chose the name Amandla because not only was it closer to her former name Amanda, it was also a chant spoken by a person she has always admired and looked up to as a Model, Nelson Mandela.

Amandla is a Xhosa word meaning power. Amandla is pro-African and believes strongly that our culture and identity should remain with us and strongly imbedded in our children no matter the part of the world we find ourselves.

On October 5th 2021 Amandla got married to her cousin Godwin’s best friend whom the family lost in 2020 in a ghastly car accident. The pain of losing her cousin and the pain of her husband losing his best friend brought both closer and both got married at quiet registry wedding in Ikoyi Nigeria.

Amandla and her spouse welcomed their Second son Oje on April 7th of 2024. April 20th 2025 Amandla launched her own YouTube channel which she hopes would be a strong platform to showcase her work and also enlighten and teach young girls the importance of loving themselves. In her own words: “I grew up believing everything black was inferior and everything white was top notch and authentic. We cannot let our children think that way. From cradle, they need to understand how great they are and that when they walk in a room they must command that space. If I am able to teach the kids right, things like bleaching their skin would be a thing that will never happen in their generation, wigs might gradually stop being a major investment. My platform I would use to teach the truth. Life is short, June 30th 2024 I lost my brother in law and my best friend. Life became very gloomy, all my plans and my purpose began to gradually fade. I decided to wake myself up and re-educate myself about my purpose on Earth”, concluded the multiple awards winning actress,
Amandla.

Amandla has performed wonderfully in movies such as Finding Odera (2023), Odera
Seeking Solace (2022) – Alice Omotola, The Other Side (2021), Teni
It’s a Crazy World (2020 TV Series), Melekwe
Inbred (2018) – Calista
It’s Her Day [9] (2016) , Nancy, Tongue (2014) , Florence
100% Secret (2012)[10] , Tarris, Bursting Out (2010) – Ugochi
Heat of the Moment (2009), Rita, Clinic Matter (2009)
Dangerous Angels as Carol
The Pastor’s Daughter
Desire (2008), Janet
My Last Wedding (2009) – Juliet, Super Story (More than a friend, 2008)
Weeping Tiger (2007), Joy
Keep my Love
Super Story (Blast from past, 2007), Tales of Women, The Evil Seed
Agwonma: The Unbreakable Egg, Sorrowful Heart (with Ebube Nwagbo and Yul Edochie)
Everyday People (TV series), Indecent Lover and more.

In all these magnificent movies, Amandla displayed the highest level of professionalism in acting and artistry. Definitely, she is a blessing to the Nigerian cum African entertainment industries.