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SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES TASK FORCE TO CURB HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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…NAPTIP, IOM hail LASG

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday inaugurated members of the State Task Force on Human Trafficking to curb the menace of human trafficking and irregular migration in the State. 

Speaking during the inauguration of the task force at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged all members of the task force to see their appointment as a call to service.

The Governor also charged members of the Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking to come up with brilliant ideas, innovations and policies that will assist the State Government in curbing the menace. 

He said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many global inequalities and plunged many economies like ours into recession, leaving millions of people at greater risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced marriages and other crimes. What this implies is that the pandemic has created more economic difficulties for many especially women, young ladies and children who are the most vulnerable and might become exposed to the perils of human trafficking in a bid to seek better lives.

“In view of this, I strongly believe that this initiative of constituting State Task Forces on Human Trafficking could not have come at a better time than now when it is needed more than ever that we put human dignity and human rights at the forefront and governments across all levels need to join hands and make collaborative efforts to put an end to the scourge of human trafficking.  

“The Government and people of Lagos State understand the value of partnership as an inestimable tool in combating the transnational organised crime of human trafficking and as a result, we use this opportunity to assure you of our unwavering support, collaboration and strong partnership in providing all that is needed to ensure we bring an end to the menace of human trafficking in our society.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his worry on the menace of human trafficking, which according to him has become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them and selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and modern day slavery. 

He said: “Everyday, in every country of the world, at least a person is reported as a victim of human trafficking while several other cases go either unnoticed or unreported. The menace of human trafficking has not only become a sad reality, it has also sadly become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them, selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and also until very recently into modern day slavery. Unfortunately, human trafficking has now become that bitter bile that is not felt by the victims alone, but rather affects humanity in general as it encroaches on our right and dignity as a people. 

“For years, local and international media have been awash with horrifying stories of people especially Nigerian women and girls who have been trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation, and also of migrants trapped in Libya in slavery-like conditions or dying as they crossed the Mediterranean Sea. 

“These stories however, sadly reflect the large and increasing problem of human trafficking within and from Nigeria in recent years and also gives certain credibility to the recent statistics by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that there has been a 600 per cent increase in the number of potential sex trafficking victims arriving Europe by sea, with most of them arriving from Nigeria.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who noted that the situation of human trafficking has become a nightmare, commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their relentless efforts in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration. 

He also appreciated NAPTIP for the ways they have been rendering assistance to human trafficking victims that are being rehabilitated. 

“I must applaud you for this brilliant idea of re-constituting State Working Groups on Human Trafficking into State Task Forces that will be equipped with the requisite skills and technical support to provide a platform to articulate and consolidate our Government’s policies and programmes aimed at countering the terrible scourge of human trafficking,” he said. 

In her address, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, said the problem of human trafficking and irregular migration have become a great national concern, especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries, apart from the hundreds that continue to die in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

She said: “The State Task Forces on Human Trafficking have a pivotal role to play in ensuring adequate sensitisation at the grassroots and among vulnerable groups, providing services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned, as well as information sharing and law enforcements. This requires strong political will and budgetary provisions on the part of the State Government, in addition to the commitment of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders.”  

Okah-Donli also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and members of his cabinet for partnering with NAPTIP to stem the tide of the twin evils of human trafficking and irregular migration in Lagos State and Nigeria.

“Lagos State has in the past supported the operations of the Lagos Zonal Command of NAPTIP and I would like to appeal for stronger collaborations and support to enable the agency achieve its mandate in Lagos, which unarguably is the commercial business capital of Nigeria,” she noted.    

Also speaking the Counter Trafficking Officer of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Bertha Kaluocha Ngurulu, said migration is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be managed and therefore promised continued partnership with federal and state government in facilitating humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.  

She disclosed that IOM since 2011 has been providing support to Nigeria Government in areas of migration and development as well as facilitating migration, regulating migration and forced migration, assisted voluntary return of both irregular and regular migrants in need of protection. 

Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who is Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking, assured Governor Sanwo-Olu and NAPTIP that his team will work tirelessly to fight the pandemic and ensure that people feel the impact of the task force in the State. 

The inauguration of the Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, among other government officials. 

Among the member of the task force, which is made up of officials from security agencies, government agencies and civil society and community-based groups are; Chairman, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), representing Lagos State Ministry of Justice; Co-chairman, Mr. Daniel Atokolo (NAPTIP), Mrs. Olufusayo Adejoke Alabi (Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation), ACP Oladotun Odubona and CSP Ighodalo Margaret (Police), Mrs. Toyin Odusanya (Citizens Right), Rev. SR. Patricia Ebegbulem (Bakhita Safe House), Mr. Adegboyega Bajulaiye (Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LSNC), Dr. Iyabo Ogundiran (Legal Hub on Anti-Trafficking), John Deborah Chigozie (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC) and Mrs. Ogunluyi Titilope (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA). 

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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Sack Of Ousmane Sonko As Senegal’s PM Months Ago (VIDEO)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

How Primate Ayodele Foretold Sack Of Ousmane Sonko As Senegal’s PM Months Ago (VIDEO)

 

Before the election that saw the end of Macky Sall’s reign in Senegal, Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, revealed that there would be a revolution in Senegal and that the opposition would defeat the ruling party.

Despite the fact that the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was in prison, the prophet made it known that if the opposition leader had a way out of prison, he would defeat the candidate of the ruling party.

Even though it looked impossible, at the end of the day, Sonko-backed candidate Diomaye Faye won the election in the first round by a landslide.

While the people of Senegal were celebrating in the euphoria of the victory, Primate Ayodele warned again that the president and Ousmane Sonko, who was later appointed Prime Minister, would have a political crisis that would collapse their relationship.

It was unbelievable at that time because Sonko singlehandedly won the election for Faye, and as he was seen as Sonko’s little brother, it was impossible for them to have issues, but subsequently, Primate Ayodele made it known that both of them would have a political crisis.

These were his words:

“In Senegal, Sonko and Faye, I see a sort of disagreement and separation. Something is about to happen. Watch out. You will have differences that will separate you; watch out for this.”… this was just a few months after the government came to power.

As he warned, the political crisis happened suddenly to the surprise of many and unexpectedly, it has taken a different turn with the sack of Ousmane Sonko as the Prime Minister of the nation.

The shock announcement was made on state television in a decree read out by presidential aide Oumar Samba Ba, who said Faye “has ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko… and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government”.

No details were provided on the appointment of a new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had weeks ago made it known that he sees that Sonko will be sacked as the Prime Minister of the country.

These were his words:

“Faye will sack Sonko as the Prime Minister of Senegal. In a couple of months, he will be removed from office, that is the message of the Lord.”

@primateayodele

Before the crisis became public… before the tension turned into open confrontation… the prophecy had already gone forth. Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele warned that there would be serious disagreement and political conflict involving Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. At that time, many doubted the prophecy. Many questioned the warning… but today, events have begun to unfold exactly as spoken. The conflict became visible. The division became clear. And now, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially sacked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Prophecy is not noise. Prophecy is not politics. When God reveals, time confirms. This is another reminder that divine warnings should never be ignored. The voice of prophecy speaks ahead, so nations and leaders can be guided with wisdom, caution, and prayer. May God continue to reveal hidden things and preserve nations from confusion and crisis. #senegalaise_tik_tok #ousmanesonko #senegalaise #faye #senegaltiktok

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

With the new development, this has been fulfilled already.

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Insecurity: General Buratai Advocates Youth-Driven National Security Strategy

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Insecurity: General Buratai Advocates Youth-Driven National Security Strategy

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has stressed the need for increased youth participation in Nigeria’s security architecture, warning that failure to engage young people meaningfully could further aggravate insecurity across the country.

 

Buratai made the assertion while delivering a lecture titled, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Security Aspirations,” at the University of Ilorin.

 

The retired military officer described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest strength, noting that their creativity, patriotism, and innovation must be effectively channelled towards combating terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, separatist agitations, and other security threats confronting the country.

 

According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria had transformed from a colonial constabulary institution into a formidable force responsible for protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

He observed that persistent insecurity across the North-East, North-West, Middle Belt, and South-East remained a major threat to national unity, adding that meaningful youth engagement in security initiatives would play a decisive role in ensuring stability and sustainable development.

 

Buratai further outlined the constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces, including defending Nigeria against external aggression, suppressing insurrection, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.

 

The former army chief also reviewed Nigeria’s security landscape, identifying Boko Haram insurgency, ISWAP activities, banditry, oil theft, separatist violence, and transnational organised crimes as some of the major challenges confronting the country.

 

Drawing comparisons with counter-insurgency operations in Colombia and Sri Lanka, he urged Nigeria to adopt a combination of military operations and socio-economic reforms in addressing insecurity.

 

He also encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace careers in the Armed Forces, noting that the military offers opportunities for leadership development, discipline, skills acquisition, career advancement, and national integration.

 

Buratai proposed the recruitment of 50,000 youths annually into the Armed Forces over the next five years, alongside the establishment of state intelligence fusion centres and a national civic security training programme for graduates.

 

 

He concluded by urging Nigerian youths to actively support efforts aimed at promoting peace and national security, stressing that enduring peace could only be achieved through justice, inclusion, and development.

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Court Warns Police: Your Role in Debt Recovery is Illegal; Awards N50m in Favour of Man Detained for 6 Months Over Failed Forex Deal 

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Court Warns Police: Your Role in Debt Recovery is Illegal; Awards N50m in Favour of Man Detained for 6 Months Over Failed Forex Deal 

 

The Lagos State High Court has declared the six-month detention of businessman Bassey Ikpi Ubi over a failed foreign exchange transaction illegal and unconstitutional, ordering the police and private respondents to pay N50 million in damages for torture and unlawful detention.

Justice O. O. Adewunmi-Oshin held that the Nigeria Police Force has no legal authority to act as a debt recovery agency or to mediate private civil disputes.

The ruling was delivered on Monday, 11 May 2026, at the Lagos Judicial Division, High Court No. 49, in Suit No. LD/18019MFHR/2024.

Mr. Ubi, Managing Director of MC COY IKPI BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, had sued the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General Zone 2, the DSS, the EFCC, and 11 private individuals and corporate entities.

He alleged that he was arrested and detained on Friday,16 February 2024, tortured almost to death in custody, denied bail, and had his Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Tecno phones forcibly taken and hacked.

The applicant told the court that the dispute arose from a failed foreign exchange transaction and that the police were being used by private respondents to recover civil debts.

Justice Adewunmi-Oshin stated unequivocally that “the police are not debt collectors and the detention cell is not a venue for settling private disputes.”

The court observed with concern what it called a recurring trend whereby officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrest and detain citizens under the pretext of criminality while the underlying dispute amounts to nothing more than a breach of contract or a failed commercial transaction.

“This Court observes with concern the recurring trend whereby officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrest and detain Citizens under the pretext of Criminality, while the underlying dispute amounts to nothing more than a breach of contract or a failed commercial transaction,” the judge said.

“Such conduct finds no warrant in law. Sections 4 of the Police Act 2020 above cited does not confer any power to act as debt collectors or to mediate private civil disputes.”

Citing _Fawehimi V Inspector General of Police_ (2002) 7 NWLR pt 767 pg 606, the court reiterated that

“the Police must not allow themselves to be used as tools for the enforcement of Civil obligations.”

The judge also referenced Section 6 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which makes clear that arrest shall only be made for a reasonable suspicion of a criminal offence, not for the recovery of debts or enforcement of contractual obligations.

On the applicant’s detention, the court found that holding him for six months without bringing him before a court violated Sections 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The judge further declared that the seizure and hacking of the applicant’s phones by the 4th respondent infringed his right to privacy and personal liberty guaranteed under Sections 35 and 37 of the Constitution.

Consequently, the court granted 11 orders. It restrained the 1st to 5th respondents from acting as recovery agents or from further arresting and detaining the applicant and officers of his company.

It ordered the 4th respondent to unconditionally release the seized phones. The court awarded N50,000,000 jointly and severally against all respondents for general, aggravated and exemplary damages, to be paid within 30 days.

It also directed the respondents to publish a public apology to the applicant in a full-page advertorial in a national daily newspaper within 14 days, in line with Section 35(6) of the Constitution.

“The practice is condemned in the strongest terms and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is expected to take immediate disciplinary and administrative steps to eradicate it,” Justice Adewunmi-Oshin ruled.

The applicant was represented by Kennedy Osunwa with J. Akor, while M. O. Bajela appeared for the 4th respondent. The 18th and 24th respondents had earlier been struck out of the suit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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