General
HWR Urges Nigeria To End Repression of Shia Group
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigerian authorities should end their violent repression of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a minority Shia group, that began with a three-day lethal crackdown on December 12-14, 2015, and free its leader, Human Rights Watch said today.
Sheik Ibraheem El Zakzaky, leader of the IMN, and his wife, Zeenatudeen, have been detained without trial for a year. On December 12, 2015, the Nigeria army used disproportionate force against the group’s street procession in Zaria, Kaduna State in north-western Nigeria to clear a route for the army chief’s convoy. In an ensuing three-day violent crackdown, the army killed 347 members of the group and injured and arrested scores more.
The violence against the group continued in a series of episodes in October and November 2016.
“The involvement of soldiers in the Zaria incidents, and subsequent police actions against the Islamic Movement raises major questions about Nigeria’s commitment to military reform,” said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The Kaduna state government’s continued repression of the group without holding the attackers responsible turns justice on its head.”
Nigerian authorities should hold accountable anyone who has committed crimes against Islamic Movement members, and take immediate steps to comply with a federal court order mandating the release of Sheik El Zakzaky and his wife, Human Rights Watch said.
Human Rights Watch reported in December 2015 that the killings were unjustified and called for an independent and impartial investigation into the carnage.
A judicial commission of inquiry, appointed to investigate the events, found that the army used “excessive force” against protesters and was responsible for the deaths and mass burial of the 347 members of the group. It recommended the prosecution of soldiers involved in the killings. The commission also recommended holding Islamic Movement members responsible for their “acts of habitual lawlessness,” and said that El Zakzaky bore responsibility for failing to call his followers to order when requested to do so.
In a White Paper responding to the report released on December 5, 2016, the Kaduna State government unilaterally declared the Islamic Movement to be an insurgent group against which the army was justified in using lethal force. Contrary to the commission’s findings, the state government stated that soldiers who shot at protesters, laid siege to religious sites belonging to the group, killed 347 members and buried them in unmarked mass graves, acted according to the army’s rules of operation.
The Kaduna State government is seeking the death penalty against 50 members of the group who are facing trial for the death of the only military casualty in the episode, Corporal Dan Kaduna Yakubu. But it has essentially exempted the army from any responsibility for the killings of the Islamic Movement members, and no-one has been held responsible for the deaths.
On October 7, the state government banned the Islamic Movement, citing the commission of inquiry’s finding that the group was unregistered. The move appears to have triggered a wave of police and mob violence against the group’s members participating in its annual religious processions, and the destruction of their properties in Kaduna as well as neighboring Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, and Sokoto States, where the police followed the Kaduna example of banning activities of the group. Media reports allege that at least 12 people died in the violence in October, and more than 10 more were killed in subsequent clashes in November.
A federal high court ruled on December 2 that the continued detention without trial of El Zakzaky and his wife by the State Security Services, “amounted to a gross violation of the constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.” The court ordered the government to release the couple within 45 days, pay them approximately US$170 million in damages, and provide them with a secure residence in view of the December 2015 destruction of their home. The federal government, in whose custody El Zakzaky and his wife have been detained, has not indicated whether it will comply with the court’s decision.
Hundreds of the group’s members have remained in prison since the Zaria incident and subsequent arrests during religious processions and protest marches to demand their leaders’ release, the group says. A few detainees, mostly women and children, were released but most others have been arraigned in courts in Kaduna, Kano, and Jos for offenses including disturbing public peace, incitement, unlawful assembly, and homicide.
The pattern of violent repressive conduct against the group may violate Nigeria’s constitution, which guarantees the rights to life; personal liberty; freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; peaceful assembly and association; and freedom of movement. Nigeria may also be in breach of its obligations under African regional and international human rights law to protect these rights.
“Nigeria’s federal and state authorities should reconsider the heavy-handed crackdown against IMN members, take urgent steps to protect them, and hold those responsible for the unlawful deaths of group members to account,” Segun said. “The government should carry out its law enforcement responsibilities without jeopardizing its own credibility by ignoring court decisions that rightly seek to check its agents’ excesses.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has officially inaugurated its campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced this in a statement on Thursday, signed by his Special Adviser, Mr Bolaji Akinola.
He noted that the campaign inauguration took place on the sidelines of the 110th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) at the IMO headquarters in London.
Mr Oyetola emphasised that Nigeria’s candidacy represented a call for balanced decision-making in global maritime governance.
“Today, we formally declare Nigeria’s candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium,” he stated.
He noted that Nigeria, as a responsible maritime nation strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea, with one of the world’s most commercially significant and security-sensitive shipping routes, remained committed to supporting the IMO’s mandate.
“This mandate promotes safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient, and sustainable shipping.
“We stand ready to work with all Member States to build a safer, greener, and more inclusive maritime future.
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for representation, collaboration, and balanced decision-making in global maritime governance,” Mr Oyetola said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as a model of maritime security innovation.
“The project integrates air, land, and sea assets to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain.”
According to the minister, the successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project has resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s territorial waters over the past three years.
He said that the milestone had drawn international recognition, including commendation from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
In addition to security efforts, Mr Oyetola noted that Nigeria had ratified and domesticated several IMO instruments.
He added that the country was currently working to adopt further conventions, including those focused on greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling, and maritime labour protections, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and the welfare of seafarers.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s demographic strength and human capital as positioning the country, as not just a regional maritime leader, but a forward-looking global partner.
“We are investing in maritime education and capacity development, with the potential to contribute more than two million skilled seafarers to the global labour pool in the coming decade,” he said.
Mr Oyetola added that Nigeria had a strong record of constructive engagement within the IMO, offering technical support and sharing best practices with fellow developing countries, particularly in Africa.
He noted that Nigeria also extended the support to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to gender equity in the maritime sector, highlighting deliberate efforts to empower women through initiatives that supported female seafarers, port professionals, and maritime leaders.
“Progress in partnership must be inclusive,” he added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria will sign more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil at the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM).
The event, a high-stakes diplomatic and investment engagement will begin on Monday, June 23, 2025 and coincides with the official visit of Brazilian Vice President, Mr Geraldo Alckmin.
According to the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Mr Ibrahim Hadejia, both parties will unlock new investment flows and deepen cooperation across key sectors including agriculture, energy, defence, innovation, and the creative economy.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, he noted that the bilateral talks and MoU signings would facilitate technical cooperation and open pathways for scalable private sector engagement
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s international diplomacy and economic expansion. The visit underscores a new chapter of strategic collaboration between two influential regional powers. It aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of global partnerships and economic revitalisation.
“We will engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at expanding collaboration across sectors critical to our national development,” he said.
Among the summit’s major highlights is the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum, scheduled for June 25. The forum is expected to attract hundreds of government and private sector leaders from both nations, representing a combined consumer base of over 400 million.
Also speaking, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Jumoke Oduwole, revealed that sector-specific platforms, including a Digital Trade Room, will be unveiled during the forum.
“Brazil’s experience in digital inclusion and Nigeria’s thriving fintech ecosystem present a powerful synergy for scalable innovation,” she said.
In the agriculture sector, the two countries are expected to sign MoUs targeting enhanced productivity through research in animal genetics, soya bean production, and mechanisation.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Abubakar Kyari, disclosed that the dialogue will also accelerate implementation of the Green Imperative Programme (GIP), a $4.5 billion investment to establish agricultural project delivery offices across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
“We are leveraging this platform to operationalise the Green Imperative and bring about real transformation in food production at scale,” Mr Kyari said.
The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musawa, said the SDM would help reposition Nigeria’s cultural and tourism industries.
“We are looking to tap into our shared Afro-Atlantic heritage with Brazil. The MoUs we sign will open up new economic and cultural opportunities in music, film, fashion, and tourism,” she said.
Planning for the dialogue has extended beyond federal agencies to include subnational governments and private sector players.
On her part, Mrs Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, said Brazilian investors would be hosted in strategic states.
“Beyond Abuja, we’ll be taking the Brazilian delegation to investment sites in Kebbi, Plateau, Lagos, Edo, Nasarawa, and the FCT,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Janet Olisa, stressed that the MoUs will be anchored on shared strengths and economic priorities.
“We are ensuring that every ministry brings its best. Nearly 30 MoUs are under negotiation, and some will be signed during this visit. Others will be concluded when the President visits Brazil,” she said.
She affirmed that the SDM is not merely a diplomatic forum, but “a serious mechanism for real investment outcomes and deepening South-South cooperation.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has mandated the country’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to go after those behind the dastardly killings in Benue State, which have left over 200 people dead.
President Tinubu issued the order on Wednesday during his visit to Benue State following the renewed attacks in the North-Central State.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Mr Tinubu said at the Benue Government House in Makurdi, the capital, during a stakeholders meeting, monitored by Business Post.
“Christopher (the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede (the Chief of Army Staff) and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” he said.
During his speech, the Tor Tiv V, Mr James Ayatse, dismissed claims that the killings in Benue State are the results of clashes between herders and farmers, arguing that the killings are a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign in the state by “herder terrorists and bandits” that had been on for decades.
He said, “We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue State. Your Excellency, it’s not headers-farmers clashes, it’s not communal clashes, it’s not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.
“It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as ‘remain tolerant, negotiate for peace, learn to live with your neighbours’.”
“What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by header terrorists and bandits, which has been going on for decades and is worsening every year.
“Wrong diagnosis will always lead to wrong treatment. So, we are dealing with something far more sinister than we think about. It’s not learning to live with your neighbors; it is dealing with the war,” the traditional ruler added.
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