News
Sowore Slams Harsh Bail for #EndBadGovernance Minors
Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a scathing critique of the country’s justice system following the detention of 76 minors for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Comparing the current Nigerian justice system to that of apartheid-era South Africa, Sowore condemned the bail conditions set by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja as impossibly high and inhumane.
Justice Egwuatu’s bail terms require each minor to pay a 10-million-naira bond and secure two sureties.
One of these sureties must be a civil servant of at least grade level 15 with a verifiable Abuja address, while the other must be a parent of the child.
Sowore criticized these conditions as unreasonable and argued they effectively guarantee that the minors will remain in detention.
“There is no way they could individually meet these inhuman bail conditions,” Sowore declared, adding that the government’s actions amount to an unjust punishment of minors for exercising their right to protest.
The case has brought Nigeria’s justice system under intense public scrutiny, with many arguing that these bail conditions disproportionately impact vulnerable citizens.
Observers say the minors’ families, like many Nigerians, are already struggling with high inflation, unemployment, and other economic pressures.
For them, finding 10 million naira for bail—let alone securing a senior-level civil servant as surety—is nearly impossible.
Critics have pointed out that these requirements, intended to ensure accountability, are more likely to perpetuate inequality by penalizing those who cannot afford them.
The #EndBadGovernance protests that led to the arrests reflect a growing sense of frustration among Nigerians, particularly youth, over the country’s mounting economic challenges and persistent security issues.
Participants in the protests demanded accountability, better governance, and a system that protects the rights and welfare of citizens, including access to basic services, jobs, and security.
By arresting these young protesters, many argue that the government is attempting to stifle this movement, rather than addressing the root causes driving public discontent.
Rights organizations and activists, including Sowore, are calling for the immediate review of the charges and a reassessment of the bail terms.
Many argue that these minors should not be facing a court system intended for hardened criminals, especially when their actions stem from a desire for a better Nigeria.
The harsh bail terms have been described as an affront to the rights and protections guaranteed to minors under Nigeria’s Child’s Rights Act of 2003.
Section 11 of the Act specifically safeguards children against any form of mental, physical, or emotional harm, neglect, or abuse.
Yet, in this case, activists argue, the judicial system itself appears to be the source of that harm
News
LeBron James Steps Away from Social Media, Cites Negativity in Sports Coverage
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has announced a temporary break from social media.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, agent to NBA star Kevin Durant, criticizing the media’s focus on negativity.
Kleiman wrote, “With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes… I, for one, find it all a waste of breath.” James shared the post, adding a simple comment: “AMEN!!”
In a follow-up post, James confirmed his social media hiatus, writing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”
James, known for his strong presence on and off the court, is taking this break amidst ongoing discussions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of athletes.
News
Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
News
Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
-
Entertainment8 hours ago
Davido Reflects on Life as He Turns 32 and Donates N300M to Orphanages
-
Business5 hours ago
NNPCL Launches Utapate Crude to Increase Nigeria’s Oil Exports
-
News9 hours ago
Man Found Dead in Ogun Hotel After Returning from the U.S.
-
News7 hours ago
MDCAN Praises Tinubu for Resolving UNIZIK Crisis and Supporting Medical Professionals
-
News4 hours ago
Tron Founder Justin Sun Buys $6.2M Banana Artwork, Plans to Eat It
-
Entertainment7 hours ago
“I Really Have A Thing For Short Skirts And Dresses” – Falz Says In An Interview
-
News9 hours ago
ACF Criticizes Tinubu’s Policies, Highlights Northern Challenges
-
Business5 hours ago
Dangote Refinery Resumes Import Of Oil from the US to Increase Production Capacity