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Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack on Katsina Communities, Kill Eight, Recover Weapons

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian military has stated that troops of 17 Brigade, Operation Fansan Yamma, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurfi, foiled a planned bandits’ attack on communities and killed at least eight of them during an intense firefight along the Kurfi-Batsari Road in Katsina State.

The military revealed that the vigilant and gallant troops also recovered weapons from the bandits during the gun battle.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated in a release that regrettably, one gallant soldier was wounded in action and has since been evacuated to the 17 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment.

According to him, “In a significant development, troops of 17 Brigade, Operation Fansan Yamma, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurfi in Katsina State, encountered terrorists along the Kurfi-Batsari Road at about 5 am on 18 June 2025. During the encounter, the troops swiftly engaged the terrorists, and after a prolonged duel, defeated them, thwarting the attack.

“The terrorists suffered significant casualties, with eight killed in action. The troops also recovered five AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. One of our troops was, however, wounded in action and evacuated to the 17 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment.”

General Kangye said the situation in the area remains calm, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Noting that the Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in the operation, Kangye reassured Nigerians of the military’s continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigerian military has stated that troops of 17 Brigade, Operation Fansan Yamma, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurfi, foiled a planned bandits’ attack on communities

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FG’ll Unlock Potentials of All States, Says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government will unlock the potential of every state in the country.

Tinubu disclosed this in a post just as he embarked on a one-day working visit to Kaduna State.

According to the president, the move is to empower all the states of the federation to serve their people boldly and effectively.

He described the Governor Uba Sani-led Kaduna State as Nigeria’s most promising frontier of progress and purpose.

Tinubu said: “What Kaduna is doing is a clear sign of what is possible when the sub-national governments are empowered, trusted and supported by the centre to do more.”

Tinubu had since inaugurated the ultramodern Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

It is named after the late governor of the state, Alhaji AbdulKadir Balarabe-Musa. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government will unlock the potential of every state in the country. Tinubu disclosed this in a post just as he embarked on a

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FG Arraigns Akpoti-Uduaghan for Allegedly Defaming Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

* Court grants N50m bail, as trial begins September 23

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Federal Government, on Thursday formally arraigned Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adosa Bello.

She was arraigned on a three-count criminal charge bordering on harmful imputation.

However, following her not guilty plea, trial judge, Justice Chisoba Oji, admitted her to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

In granting Akpoti-Uduaghan bail, the court observed that the alleged offence was not a capital one and that the law presumes her innocent for now.

The Federal Government’s lawyer, David Kaswe, had asked for the remand of the suspended senator representing Kogi State Central in prison pending the determination of the case against her.

However, Natasha’s lawyer, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), objected and requested the court to allow him move the bail application for the defendant on the grounds that it was matured for hearing having been served on the prosecution and having joined issues with each other.

He then urged the judge to exercise her discretion in favour of the defendant, adding that the suspended senator was not a flight risk and would not interfere with police investigation and witnesses.

Besides, he submitted that the constitution of the country presumes her innocent, while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 emphasizes bail in such an offence.

But Kaswe urged the judge to refuse the bail application, adding that the prosecution took great efforts and encountered difficulties before the defendant could be served with the charge.

Justice Oji however disagreed with the submission of the prosecution and admitted to the defendant to bail to enable her adequately prepare for the trial.

As part of the condition attached to the bail, the judge held that the surety must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

She subsequently adjourned to September 23, for trial in the charge marked: CR/297/25, filed on May 15, 2025.

Natasha is, in count one of the charge, accused of making harmful imputation which she knew would harm the reputation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by claiming he plotted, with former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, to kill her.

In count two, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of making a similar harmful imputation knowing that it will harm the reputation of ex-governor Bello.

She is, in count three, accused of making another imputation, which she knew would harm the reputation of Akpabio by associating him with the death of one Miss Imoren Iniubong.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government would on June 30, arraign the Kogi senator before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on similar charge.

* Court grants N50m bail, as trial begins September 23 Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal Government, on Thursday formally arraigned Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan before a High Court of the Federal

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NOUN Advocates Open, Distance Learning for Correctional Officers

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has called on the personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to embrace Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a means of personal and professional development.

The Director of Examination and Assessment, NOUN, Prof. Olugbenga Ojo, made the call during an advocacy visit to the NCoS Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

Ojo said that the visit was aimed at sensitising the officers and men of the Service on the numerous benefits of ODL and to encourage them to take advantage of NOUN’s programmes.

These, he said, were designed to provide flexible, affordable and accessible education for working professionals.

The don noted that NOUN had, over the years, supported the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through its study centres within correctional facilities.

He, however, said there was also an urgent need to extend similar educational opportunities to the staff who serve as frontline agents of reformation and social correction.

He added that enhancing the academic qualifications and capacity of correctional officers would, in turn, impact the quality of their work.

He also added that it would boost efforts to reduce the rate of recidivism and the tendency of released inmates to relapse into crime.

“We are here for a special advocacy visit, not for the inmates this time, but for the staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“Whoever comes to prison should return to society a better person. That is the goal. But the staff must also be empowered and trained for that transformation to be effective.

“Learning is from a craving and I want to encourage you all to try and register for a course. I can only encourage you,” he stressed.

Responding, the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the management of NOUN for its consistent collaboration with the Service.

Nwakuche described the university as a beacon of educational transformation within the criminal justice system.

He lauded NOUN’s gesture of offering tuition-free education to inmates across its special study centres in custodial centres nationwide, and welcomed the extension of such benefits to the personnel of the NCoS.

“NOUN has become a case study in correctional education.

“For an institution to step in and make education tuition-free for inmates, is something truly commendable. You have recorded real impact, and you’ve done it with excellence,” he said.

The CGC expressed readiness to deepen the existing partnership with the university and assured NOUN that the Service would not only embrace the initiative but also encourage staff participation across commands.

“We are not taking this for granted. We won’t hesitate to key into this initiative. We’ll ensure our staff understand the importance of this opportunity and make the most of it. You are always welcome here,” he said.

Speaking, the National Coordinator, Special Study Centre Unit (SSCU), Ms. Modupe Adesina, reiterated NOUN’s commitment to supporting the reform agenda of the Correctional Service.

Adesina, however, called on the officers and men of the NCoS to take ownership of their educational journey.

“We believe it is time for the personnel of the NCoS to begin to add feathers to their ranks.

“ODL gives you the liberty to work and study simultaneously. It offers flexibility. You can learn and write your exams from anywhere, even in the line of duty.

“We want the correctional staff to realise that everyone can be educated, no matter the time or age,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that over the years, NOUN has established itself as a leader in open and distance education in Nigeria, with a mandate to widen access to tertiary education.

This is especially for underserved populations including inmates, military personnel and paramilitary officers. (NAN)

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has called on the personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to embrace Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a means of personal

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Tinubu Arrives Kaduna, Heads to Rigachikun to Inaugurate Projects

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived Kaduna as part of his one-day working visit to inaugurate a myriad of developmental projects in the state.

The president was received at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, by Governor Uba Sani, top government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Shortly after his arrival, Tinubu proceeded to Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area, where he was expected to inaugurate several infrastructural projects, including road networks, healthcare centres and educational facilities.

The projects are part of broader initiatives by the Kaduna State Government to enhance rural development and improve access to essential services.

Security was visibly tightened across key areas of the city, with combined personnel of the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, and the military, ensuring a smooth and safe visit. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived Kaduna as part of his one-day working visit to inaugurate a myriad of developmental projects in the state. The president was received at the

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Sapele-Warri Road: FG Terminates Levant Construction Contract over Non-performance

Sunday Ehigiator

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has terminated the contract with Levant Construction Ltd for the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin-Imasabor), being executed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, due to non-performance.

This is just as he revealed the true cost of different road infrastructures across the country.

In a statement yesterday, signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi, expressed disappointment over Levant’s failure to meet its contractual obligations, despite several warnings and interventions by the government.

Umahi also revealed that the Lagos-Ibadan road project was valued at N195 billion under the previous administration, and is now being completed by the current administration with an additional investment of N33 billion.

The statement read in part: “We have three sections there. We have the Levant section. Unfortunately, Levant has not lived up to expectations. We even had to intervene and beg the Governor of Edo State to please get the worst sections of that route done.”

“We divided the worst sections into two and told Levant to concentrate on one part. While the Governor of Edo State intervened, which I think is about 23 kilometres for N35 billion, and that section the Governor of Edo State intervened in is ongoing very well, Levant has since left the site.”

“We gave them a series of warning letters.”

“We also gave them the last termination notice. When a termination notice is given to you, it is for you within 14 days to go back to the site and begin to do those things you were not doing. This time is for them to remobilise to the site and for them to work, but they did not respond.”

The minister directed the Permanent Secretary to formally terminate the contract and request repayment of the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) from Levant’s bank, failing which the matter would be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In contrast, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made by SKECC Nigeria Ltd and Geld Construction Ltd on their respective sections of the road project. Umahi also commended the Governors of Delta and Edo States for their interventions on certain sections of the road project.

The minister further debunked allegations of lopsidedness in the distribution of road projects across the country, citing numerous ongoing projects in the North.

He emphasised that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to inclusive development, with 52 per cent of the four legacy projects located in the North and 48 per cent in the South.

On the jobs by Messrs SKECC and Messrs Geld, the Honourable Minister said: “SKECC has about one kilometer, which they started with milled asphalt, yes, the money in the budget for SKECC within their section, NNPC allocation, is exhausted. But we are pleading with them to go back and remedy this one kilometre where they have milled the existing asphalt.”

“Geld has agreed to go back to their section, and we’ve agreed to review their project to cater for the unforeseen circumstances that they encountered. So they are going back to the site, and we’ve agreed to work very well with them. And we’re happy about that.”

“And the second job they have, which is Lokoja-Abuja road, we’ve also agreed that they should go back to the site and review the project, because as of today, the asphalt cost is N9,000 per square meter, whereas asphalt is about N30,000 per square meter. So they are going back to the site on trust, and we’re going to do that.

“And then you get to Itoki – Ikorodu road, which is 34 kilometres. We’ve agreed with them on all the issues. They are going back to the site, and I thank Mr. President for his interest in all the projects in the federation.”

While reacting to some criticism about uneven distribution of projects across the geopolitical zones, the minister said: “Allegations that the Federal Ministry of Works is doing more projects in the South than in the North are false and misleading.”

“In this ministry, we don’t count where anybody came from. We don’t count where projects are cited. We are using the example of Mr. President, who came on board. He took all the inherited projects of the ministry and continued to work with them. He didn’t want to know the lopsidedness of the projects.

“For example, this Tax Credit of NNPC is only five per cent in South-west and 4 per cent in South East, Niger State has 26 per cent alone. So, he didn’t want to care about where these inherited projects are.”

“He had to, as a very unique leader, take over the entire thing, and he’s going on with them. And so we should stop looking at a project as it’s coming from the North, it’s coming from the South, because the Southern people use the roads of the North, and the Northern people use the roads of the South. So we should see ourselves as one people, one country; this is very important.

“They talked about Second Niger Bridge, they talked about Lagos-Ibadan, they said Lagos-Ibadan is N195 billion. What they didn’t know is that N195 billion is the total contract sum from the past administration, and that what this administration is putting to complete the project is only N33 billion.”

“So it’s not N195 billion. They talked about Second Niger Bridge. This section II A is N134 billion, and section II B is N174 billion. Now, if you look at the projects in the North, just to properly inform the people, you look at the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano-Kano road, Sections I and III. It’s N252 billion.

“30 per cent is already paid for that job. And it’s being done with the same quality as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The job is ongoing. Section II is 164 kilometres, and it is N525 billion. And it’s being done with concrete, the same quality as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“Mr. President has approved a 30 per cent payment, which is N152 billion, and work is ongoing. You come and see the project that was awarded in March 2023, which is the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna, a total of 750 kilometres, with totaling initial cost of N825 billion.”

“That project is ongoing. There was no shovel on the project before we came on board. It’s Mr. President who is doing the project. In the Sokoto axis, by August, CBC would have completed about 50 kilometres on the Continuously Reinforced Concrete, the same quality Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. We have the Mother cat. We have the Tracta.

“We have the Sectraco working, major top companies that are doing the project. We have the Zaria-Nkru project, which is 152 kilometres. That project is ongoing. We have the project that covers the BUA Tax Credit, which is 256 kilometres, that is going through Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. It’s also under the BUA Tax Credit. We have the Kano Northern Bypass.

“That project is ongoing. We have Section l of Kano-Maiduguri, 100.9 kilometres by Tracta. That project is ongoing. We have the Dikwa project, which is 52 kilometres in Borno State. That project is ongoing under Dangote Tax Credit. You have the Bama project in Borno State, which is 49 kilometres away. That project is ongoing under Dangote Tax Credit.”

“We have section V of the Kano – Maiduguri project being done by CCECC, that project is ongoing. We have the fourth Renewed Hope Legacy Project of Mr. President, which is the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Superhighway, 439 kilometres.”

“We are completing the design at the directive of Mr. President. It was on flexible pavement. The president said, ‘No, I want it double carriageway, three lanes each, concrete pavement.”

“We have the Maraba-Keffi project, 43 kilometres by two, N73 billion by China Harbour. That project is ongoing. We have the Makurdi down to 9th mile Enugu, 260 kilometres by two, which is about a billion U.S. dollars project. That project is ongoing.”

“We have the Manado project in Kebbi State. That project is ongoing. Time will fail me to read out the projects that Mr. President is doing in the North and also in the South. So, when you look at the four legacy projects of the President, the North has 52 per cent, and the South has 48 per cent. Let me tell you something. People talk about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.”

“Yes, we procured Section I, which is N1.068 trillion, 30 per cent has been paid. We procured Section II, which is the flyovers of Section I and Section II, passing through Dangote Refinery, passing through a swamp, which is about N1.6 trillion.”

“Yes, we have procured Section III A and III B, which is the end of the project, in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, which is about N1.33 trillion. When you aggregate this thing, this is over N3 trillion. But then you get to Kebbi, we have 258 kilometres of one carriageway, which we procured for about N958 billion, only one section.”

“The second carriageway is going to FEC. So, when you put the two together, you have about N2 trillion on the Kebbi axis alone. Then, Sokoto is 120 kilometres away, where my brother, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, hails from. We’ve already procured ₦454 billion for the 120 kilometres.”

“And by the time you procure the second one, you’re almost about a trillion. So, the two together are about N3 trillion. It is done with the same quality as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The one that’s coming from Cross River to Ebonyi, to Benue, to Kogi, to Nasarawa, to Abuja, Section I has been procured, which is N362 billion for 118 kilometres. It is being procured, and we are just reviewing it to include an additional 5 kilometres of road because of underlying factors. So, Mr. President is very committed. I’ve never seen such a unique President.”

Sunday Ehigiator The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has terminated the contract with Levant Construction Ltd for the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin-Imasabor), being executed

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FDA Approves Twice-Yearly Antiviral Injection for Prevention of HIV

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The world is about to witness what may signal an end to decades long epidemic caused by the HIV virus, with a powerful and convenient prevention option.

The United States Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved Gilead’s twice-yearly antiviral injection for preventing HIV — a milestone that the company and some experts say could help end the threats posed by the virus.

According to report by the CNBC in the two groundbreaking clinical trials in 2024, Gilead’s injection proved to be capable of virtually eliminating new HIV infections when taken every six months.

The injection is taken in a less frequent dosage than for all existing HIV prevention medications, including daily pills from Gilead and another injection, from GSK, taken every other month.

“That makes Yeztugo a valuable and far more convenient tool for addressing an epidemic that led to around 1.3 million new infections and contributed to the deaths of 630,000 people globally in 2023, according to the World Health Organization,” said the report..

CNBC however said that the launch of the injectable drug, which will be marketed under the name Yeztugo, faced a set of potential threats, including the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to federal funding for HIV prevention efforts.

“The U.S. alone sees 700 new cases and 100 HIV-related deaths each week, Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day said in an interview ahead of the approval.

HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on people of color, gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men and transgender women.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of this for global public health,” O’Day said, adding that the injection “really will bend the arc of the epidemic as we roll this out across the globe.”

On his part, Executive Director of PrEP4All, an organization focused on expanding access to HIV prevention medications. Jeremiah Johnson, said the magnitude of drug impact will also depend on how easy it is to get,

With regard to cost and efficacy, the report quoted a Gilead spokesperson as saying that Lenacapavir, the generic name of Yeztugo, has an annual list price of $28,218 in the U.S. before insurance.

“That is in line with existing branded medications approved for the same use: pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, which reduces the risk of getting HIV.

“A month’s supply of Truvada and Descovy, Gilead’s daily pills for PreP, are both around $2,000 without insurance, which amounts to around $24,000 per year.

“One dose of GSK’s Apretude, which is taken once monthly for the first two months and then once every other month thereafter, costs roughly $4,000 before insurance.

“We are working to make Yeztugo accessible for anyone who needs or wants it and expect to see broad insurance coverage,” the Gilead spokesperson said, adding that there is broad insurance coverage for existing prevention options”.

The company said it has a copay savings program for eligible insured patients that may reduce out-of-pocket payments for Yeztugo to as little as zero dollars. Gilead also has a program for eligible uninsured people to receive the injection for free.

In addition, the company said that Lenacapavir is already approved for treating HIV under the brand name Sunlenca, which has a price tag of more than $42,200 per year.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The world is about to witness what may signal an end to decades long epidemic caused by the HIV virus, with a powerful and convenient prevention

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June 19, 2025
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Civilian JTF Arrests 26 Kidnappers, Accomplices in Kogi

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

As part of efforts to get rid of criminal activities in Kogi State ,the operatives of Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in collaboration with the security agencies, has arrested no fewer than 26 kidnappers in a clean-up operations in Kogi West.

The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this while parading the suspects yesterday in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA.

It was learnt that some of the arrested suspects claimed to have come from Zamfara State and some local who act as accomplice were also apprehended in the area.

Omodara explained that the operation, which was carried out in the last two weeks, was part of the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.

He stated that the arrested suspects include natives who have been aiding the activities of bandits by supplying them with logistics such as food, drinks, water, and others.

“It is not only the kidnappers group in the forest that have been arrested, but also the natives that are collaborating with them.They serve as their logistics suppliers to the bandits and kidnappers in the bush.”

“Our deep investigation after the death of the kidnapped retired major Joe Ajayi, we discovered that some natives were involved.

“The suspects are helping the security agencies to unravel the root causes of the rising kidnapping in the area. You can see the harvest of arrests via what the state Government is doing.

“These are the people causing havoc in our forests.

We are not going to allow it, we will be after them because Kogi is not any other state that criminals, bandits and kidnappers will want to ride on and occupy.

“The Kogi Government is very serious about it, and that is why we are calling on Communities to imbibe first line of defense level, as vigilantes are allowed to carry certain levels of arms.

“We urge communities to develop some level of intelligence. Our women are currently being used to buy food and drinks and others, and sending it through some of the youths in the communities who are bandits collaborators.

“Because we are digging deep into getting some of these criminals, that was why some disgruntled elements outside the State orchestrated the recent purported protest. But the community has distant themselves from the protests including those that were used.

“Governor Ahmed Ododo is committed to ensure that peace return to every community not only in Bunu land but to all communities across Kogi State.

“We are taking some proactive measures; when the heat is on in Benue State, we took proactive measures in which the boundaries such as Olamaboro and Omala Local Government Areas, we formed a defence to ensure that we don’t have influx of some criminals into the state,”’Omodara said.

The security adviser assured the people that the government would not take the issue of security lightly and would continue to work with security agencies to bring perpetrators to book.

He stressed that the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and other security agencies have been deployed to combat the activities of kidnappers and bandits in the state.

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja As part of efforts to get rid of criminal activities in Kogi State ,the operatives of Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in collaboration with the security agencies, has arrested

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Don Pee Applauds Lagos Govt, Police After ‘Zarz End’ Release

Following the release of its much-anticipated blockbuster movie ‘Zarz End’ on the Don Pee TV YouTube channel, Don Pee Art and Gallery has commended the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts in maintaining peace and unity in the country.

The movie, which has been attracting significant streams since its debut on June 12, 2025 — to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day — features some of Nollywood’s finest, including veterans Kanayo O. Kanayo and Nkem Owoh, as well as AMVCA star girl Chioma Chukwuka. ‘Zarz End’ captures the End SARS protests, a nationwide movement against rogue police officers, which escalated into violent attacks on government institutions before being quelled by the intervention of security agencies.

Executive Producer of the film and CEO of Don Pee Art and Gallery, Dr. Onyeka Ogbatu, applauded the Lagos State Government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Nigeria Police Force, stating that they bore the brunt of the unrest but maintained neutrality during and after the End SARS protests. He also praised their professional and unbiased handling of the investigative panel.

Don Pee Art and Gallery, whose parent company, Spanish Kingdom Group, has long supported the Nigeria Police Force, donated palliatives and relief materials to the force during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ogbatu reiterated his unalloyed support for the police and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to being a partner in progress with both the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Police.

“Our intention to relay the End SARS incident in a true life story years after, was not to antagonize the Police or Lagos State government, but rather to document a piece of the history and preserve the memory of the historic incident in an entertaining format so that the youths of the nation will continuously revisit it to learn from the past as well as to expunge the negative narration that has bedevilled the aftermath of the quagmire,” Dr. Ogbatu told the media.

“End SARS is a national tragedy that depicted a negative image of our nation, led to loss of lives of some innocent Nigerian Police men as well as harm to protesters, our intention is not to cash out from people’s pain but to honour the memory and preserve the incident in an artistic format for generations unborn to also experience it and learn from it,” the perceptive business guru further explained.

In line with this vision, Don Pee Art and Gallery plans to organise a youth development project targeting indigent youths, in collaboration with Passion for Excellence (PAFEX) Youth Development Initiative, to support the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government’s strides in Lagos State, especially within the creative economy. This was confirmed by Amaobi Kingsley Madu (Obifaruk), lead strategist and founder of PAFEX Youth Development Initiative.

Following the release of its much-anticipated blockbuster movie ‘Zarz End’ on the Don Pee TV YouTube channel, Don Pee Art and Gallery has commended the Lagos State Government and the

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NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has identified hate speech as a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, gave the description yesterday in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence”, invites us to examine the growing intersection between technology and human rights. It challenges us to reflect on the double-edged nature of AI as both a tool for development and a potential amplifier of harmful narratives, including hate speech.”

He said: “As the lead institution charged with the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asserts the intricate relationship between hate speech and human rights. In its base form, hate speech seems to be an illustration of the freedom of expression. However, in its impact, hate speech is a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.”

He added: “The NHRC remains deeply concerned about the rising spread of hate speech, particularly as it takes new and more dangerous forms through digital technologies powered by artificial intelligence. Hate speech is not just a threat to individual dignity, it is a direct attack on democratic value and social cohesion. It violates the right to dignity of the human person, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to participate in public life without fear of suppression or violence.”

He noted that some of the significant steps taken over the years by the NHRC to confront hate speech and its multi-polar challenges include: “In the build-up to the 2023 general election, the Commission launched the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) Project, which focused on promoting access, participation, and accountability. Recognising the toxic role of hate speech in electoral processes, the MOVE Project identified it as a major obstacle to voter inclusion.

“The commission established the National Hate Speech Register to record incidents and trends across the country, allowing for real-time documentation and response.”

“We have conducted specialised training for our staff nationwide to monitor and report hate speech across both traditional and digital media.”

“In recognising the centrality of the media in combating hate speech, the Commission issued anAdvisory on the Role of Media in Countering and Reporting Hate Speech, recognising the powerful influence of the media and the need to strengthen responsible journalism.

“In April 2025, the NHRC issued a major Advisory Opinion on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, in response to concerns about the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, particularly Section 24 which was criticized for restricting freedom of expression.”

He decried that: “the challenge before us today extends beyond traditional platforms. Artificial Intelligence especially in its generative form is reshaping the way information is produced, consumed, and disseminated. The same technologies that empower innovation can also be exploited to generate, amplify, and target hate speech with unprecedented speed and reach. This scenario portends dangers for the enjoyment of the right to privacy as guaranteed by section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.”

“Through algorithmic targeting, manipulated images, deepfakes, and automated bots, hateful and discriminatory narratives can now be crafted and circulated far more efficiently, often bypassing existing regulatory frameworks. If not addressed, these technologies can incite violence, and reinforce dangerous stereotypes.”

He, however, promised that: “As we move forward, the NHRC is expanding its work in this area by exploring AI-based tools that support early detection of hate speech and misinformation, partnering with tech platforms and regulatory bodies to encourage transparency in algorithmic content moderation and to demand accountability where violations occur. Additionally, developing a national framework for the ethical use of AI and digital technologies in line with human rights principles, particularly as it concerns youth engagement, elections, and social media governance.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has identified hate speech as a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others. The Executive