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Sowore Slams Harsh Bail for #EndBadGovernance Minors

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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


 

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NCDC Raises Concerns Over Lassa Fever Spread Across the Country

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC) raises awareness on the spread of Lassa Fever, it was reported the cases keep on increasing.

The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris reveals the amount of cases and death concerning the Lassa Fever. He stated that 9,492 suspected cases have been raised across the six states in the country, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi.

NCDC states that guidelines and awareness of the fever is now being provided in order to reduce the spread of the disease. Healthcare works have been advised to practice prevention protocols when handling suspected cases.


 

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Zamfara Lifts Mining Ban And Opens Door to Economic Growth and Investment

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Alake Dele has made a significant announcement on his X handle, sharing the exciting news that the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State has finally been lifted after over five years of restrictions.

This decision marks a turning point for the state, which is rich in valuable mineral resources like gold, lithium, and copper.

The lifting of the ban comes after notable security improvements, allowing the government to focus on the potential economic benefits that mining can bring to the region and the country at large.

The ban, which was imposed several years ago, was originally put in place to tackle growing security concerns linked to illegal mining activities and the rise of banditry in the region.

These illegal operations were not only harming the environment but also fueling criminal activity.

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However, despite the ban’s intentions, it inadvertently allowed illegal miners to continue exploiting the state’s vast mineral resources.

With security improving, the government has now decided it is the right time to lift the ban and regulate mining activities properly.

Alake Dele emphasized that this decision will enable the mining sector in Zamfara to contribute more significantly to the national economy.

“The state’s vast mineral wealth, particularly gold, lithium, and copper, can now be properly explored and mined, creating opportunities for both the state and the country,” he stated.

The goal is to ensure that mining activities are carried out legally, with better oversight and regulation to combat illegal mining and associated crimes more effectively.

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Peter Obi Defends Palliative Organizers and Blames Leaders for Tragedy

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Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and a key figure in Nigerian politics, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic events linked to the distribution of palliatives.

The incidents, which resulted in the loss of lives, have created grief and criticism, noticing the dire levels of hunger and poverty gripping the nation.

Taking to his X handle, Obi shared his heartfelt condolences with the affected families, communities, and states, describing the incidents as a reflection of systemic failures in governance.

One of the notable developments surrounding this tragedy is the arrest of organizers behind a palliative distribution program in Oyo State.

The initiative, spearheaded by Zainab Otiti Obanor, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has come under scrutiny following the chaos that unfolded during the event.

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In his statement, Peter Obi made a passionate appeal to the government, urging them to reconsider their actions.

He emphasized that acts of goodwill, even when accompanied by unforeseen consequences, should not be treated as criminal offences.

According to Obi, the intent behind such initiatives is to provide relief to citizens, not to cause harm.

Zainab Otiti Obanor, a prominent philanthropist, has often been involved in charitable activities aimed at alleviating suffering in society.

Her efforts in Oyo State were meant to ease the hardship faced by residents, yet the tragic turn of events reflects the harsh realities of desperation among the people.

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Obi pointed out that the blame for such occurrences should not rest on individuals attempting to make a difference but on the systemic failures of leadership that have caused hardship.


 

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