News
DR Congo: Second Term Should Focus on Rights
(Kinshasa) – Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi should ensure that human rights are central to his policies during his second term in office, Human Rights Watch said today in a “Human Rights Agenda” for his administration.
Human Rights Watch urged the Tshisekedi administration to prioritize improvements in five key areas: the rights to free expression, media freedom, and peaceful assembly; protecting civilians in conflict areas; reforming the justice system and addressing corruption; providing accountability for serious crimes; and strengthening democratic institutions.
“President Tshisekedi’s first term ended with deep uncertainty about the Congo’s worsening violence and humanitarian crises, recurrent violations of civil and political rights, and growing mistrust in democratic institutions,” said Thomas Fessy, senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The second term is a chance to start afresh and reverse course on significant human rights backsliding.”
Tshisekedi, the declared winner of the December 2023 presidential elections, was sworn in on January 20, 2024, for a second and final five-year term. The elections were marred by logistical issues, irregularities, and violence.
Tshisekedi faces significant challenges, most immediately an uptick in violence in the eastern province of North Kivu, where an offensive by the abusive Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has dramatically affected civilians. Violence is also rife in Ituri province as militia fighters have increased attacks on and killings of civilians. Insecurity continues in and around the western province of Mai-Ndombe and among communities in the southern Katanga region.
The government has also significantly repressed the rights to free expression, media freedom, and peaceful assembly. The authorities have over the past four years increasingly cracked down-including online-on journalists, human rights and democracy activists, critics of the government, and opposition party members and officials. Security forces have repeatedly used unnecessary or excessive force, including lethal force, to block or disperse peaceful demonstrations.
Tshisekedi recently described the country’s justice system as “ill.” His administration should act to reform the justice system and address corruption, which significantly reduces the government’s capacity to deliver on its obligations to provide quality education, health care, and social security.
Widespread impunity for serious abuses remains the norm. The president should commit to take concrete measures to address recurring cycles of violence fueled by a lack of criminal accountability for grave crimes. Concrete steps are also needed to restore the Congolese people’s trust in democratic institutions.
“President Tshisekedi promised to address recurring violence, to end repression, and to improve the daily lives of all Congolese,” Fessy said. “The president should devote his second term to fulfilling these goals by working for, rather than against, human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles.”
Continue Reading
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of four officers accused of misappropriating N43.16 million from a total of N74.95 million recovered during an unauthorized operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The officers—DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all attached to Zone 7 Headquarters—were implicated in a case involving the arrest of Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting cash for clients in August 2023.
Investigations revealed that while the officers initially reported N31.79 million as the recovered sum, they concealed the remaining N43.16 million. This prompted the owners of the funds to file a petition, escalating the matter to the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.
Findings and Allegations
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed that investigations uncovered a conspiracy among the officers to steal part of the recovered funds. Key revelations include:
The officers photographed the suspect and the money during the arrest but later claimed their device was damaged to hide evidence.
They allegedly transported the missing cash out of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to conceal it.
Attempts were made to mislead the investigation by claiming technical issues and disseminating false narratives to media outlets.
Adejobi stated, “These officers conspired to steal part of the money amounting to N43.16 million, attempting to cover their tracks through misinformation and corruption.”
The four officers have been suspended for gross misconduct, tampering with evidence, abuse of office, corrupt practices, and unprofessional behavior. Following due legal and administrative procedures, they are set to face prosecution.
The police force also dismissed allegations suggesting that Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was protecting a cartel involved in smuggling banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Adejobi condemned these claims as part of a “sponsored misinformation campaign,” emphasizing that such narratives are attempts to distract from the criminal acts of the officers involved. He reiterated the force’s commitment to accountability and professionalism under the current administration’s reform agenda.
The police urged the public and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing reforms aimed at eliminating corruption and restoring trust in the force.
This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, as the officers await trial for their alleged misconduct.
Fire Incidents in Kano Claim Three Lives, Cause Over N132.4m in Damages
The Kano State Fire Service has reported that three lives were lost and properties worth over N132,450,000 destroyed in various fire incidents across the state during November. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the service’s spokesman, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, provided an overview of the service’s operations for the month. According to the statement, fire […] Continue reading here ▶ Police Hunt for Suspected Killers of Security Guard in Ogun State
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers responsible for the murder of a security guard in the Ologede community, Atan area of Ogun State. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, responding to inquiries from journalists. Reports indicate that the armed robbers attacked a […] Continue reading here ▶ Smugglers attempt to transport cigarettes using an Armaguard vehicle.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has uncovered a smuggling operation involving 23 boxes of cigarettes transported in an Armaguard vehicle. The illegal activity was intercepted when ZRA officials impounded the vehicle as it attempted to smuggle the cigarettes from Kazungula to Livingstone, with plans to transport them onward to Lusaka. The seized goods, imported from […] Continue reading here ▶ A truck carrying fertilizer lost control this morning and hit into the George Kunda Toll Gate on the Great North Road in Mkushi District, injuring a toll gate operator
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the accident occurred when the truck, traveling west to east, lost control due to excessive speed and hit the toll gate booth. He said Dimas Yombwe, 36, who was inside the booth at the time, sustained a deep cut on his head, a suspected fractured left shoulder, painful legs, and […] Continue reading here ▶ Father dies holding his child in tragic road accident _ Zambian PoliceA 37-year-old man from Chinsali has died in an accident while crossing the road, holding his three-month-old child in his arms. The accident occurred when the driver of a Toyota Mark-II hit Bruce Mweya, who was crossing the road with his child. The incident happened on Nambuluma Road in the Kazembo area. Muchinga Province Police […] Continue reading here ▶
The Kano State Fire Service has reported that three lives were lost and properties worth over N132,450,000 destroyed in various fire incidents across the state during November.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the service’s spokesman, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, provided an overview of the service’s operations for the month. According to the statement, fire personnel responded to 43 fire emergencies and successfully rescued three individuals.
Additionally, the fire service saved properties valued at approximately N310,600,000 during their operations. However, they also handled six false alarms and responded to five rescue calls.
The emergency responses came from the service’s 29 fire stations located throughout Kano State.
Highlighting the need for public vigilance, Abdullahi urged residents to handle fire responsibly, especially during the dry harmattan season, to prevent further fire outbreaks.
He also cautioned motorists to adhere to traffic rules and drive carefully, particularly during the Christmas season, to minimize the risk of road accidents.
“The general public must exercise caution with fire to avoid incidents during this harmattan period. Motorists should also drive carefully and observe traffic regulations, especially during holiday travels,” Abdullahi emphasized.
The Kano State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while encouraging the public to adopt safety measures to reduce fire-related incidents.
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers responsible for the murder of a security guard in the Ologede community, Atan area of Ogun State.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, responding to inquiries from journalists.
Reports indicate that the armed robbers attacked a mini car park in the area during a late-night raid. The guard, who had been recently employed to secure the premises, was brutally killed, with his body discovered tied up and bearing severe injuries.
A food vendor operating on the premises reportedly found the lifeless body of the guard the following morning and raised the alarm, drawing the attention of community members. It was also discovered that a truck parked at the facility had been stolen during the invasion.
A resident of the area, speaking anonymously, described the park as a former mechanic workshop turned car park. The resident added that the guard was a familiar face in the community before being hired by the park’s owner to safeguard the facility.
“The robbers killed the guard, hacking him and tying him in a corner. A food vendor who came to the premises early in the morning found his body and raised the alarm. When the park owner arrived, it was confirmed that a truck parked there had been stolen,” the resident explained.
Police officers from the Atan division were alerted and arrived at the scene, transferring the body to Ilaro General Hospital Morgue.
Odutola stated that the chairman of Ologede Village reported the incident to the police, leading to the dispatch of detectives to the scene.
“On 28th November 2024, around 6:00 a.m., the chairman of Ologede Village informed the police about the discovery of a corpse, estimated to be about 40 years old, lying in a pool of blood near the community’s entrance. The victim had severe head injuries, suggesting a possible case of murder and armed robbery,” she said.
The police have commenced a preliminary investigation and assured the public that efforts are underway to track and apprehend the suspects responsible for the heinous crime.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we are committed to bringing those involved to justice,” Odutola concluded.
Four Suspended Police Officers to Stand Trial for Alleged N43m Theft
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of four officers accused of misappropriating N43.16 million from a total of N74.95 million recovered during an unauthorized operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The officers—DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor, and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, all attached to Zone 7 Headquarters—were implicated […] Continue reading here ▶ Fire Incidents in Kano Claim Three Lives, Cause Over N132.4m in DamagesThe Kano State Fire Service has reported that three lives were lost and properties worth over N132,450,000 destroyed in various fire incidents across the state during November. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the service’s spokesman, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, provided an overview of the service’s operations for the month. According to the statement, fire […] Continue reading here ▶ Smugglers attempt to transport cigarettes using an Armaguard vehicle.The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has uncovered a smuggling operation involving 23 boxes of cigarettes transported in an Armaguard vehicle. The illegal activity was intercepted when ZRA officials impounded the vehicle as it attempted to smuggle the cigarettes from Kazungula to Livingstone, with plans to transport them onward to Lusaka. The seized goods, imported from […] Continue reading here ▶ A truck carrying fertilizer lost control this morning and hit into the George Kunda Toll Gate on the Great North Road in Mkushi District, injuring a toll gate operator
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the accident occurred when the truck, traveling west to east, lost control due to excessive speed and hit the toll gate booth. He said Dimas Yombwe, 36, who was inside the booth at the time, sustained a deep cut on his head, a suspected fractured left shoulder, painful legs, and […] Continue reading here ▶ Father dies holding his child in tragic road accident _ Zambian PoliceA 37-year-old man from Chinsali has died in an accident while crossing the road, holding his three-month-old child in his arms. The accident occurred when the driver of a Toyota Mark-II hit Bruce Mweya, who was crossing the road with his child. The incident happened on Nambuluma Road in the Kazembo area. Muchinga Province Police […] Continue reading here ▶
-
Viral Gist6 days agoWhen Tonto Dikeh left her husband because he was cheating and ended up dating Kpokpogri, it also happened that he didn’t only cheat but also rubbished her in a private recording
-
Viral Gist6 days agoChigozie Bathlemew you will suffer from beginning of this journey till forever – Nigerian lady lay corse on Ex boyfriend who is about to wed