by adminFIDA Nigeria Vehemently Condemns the Killing of Deborah Yakubu A Student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto
A truly sad day when another young person is killed publicly in her prime through extra-judicial means
As a nation we must respect and value human life, FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the reported gruesome killing and burning of Deborah Yakubu, a 200-level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, North-West Nigeria.
Reports suggest that she was violently stoned to death and later set ablaze by the angry mob, who are mostly students of the college because of her beliefs. FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns this condemnable Act.
Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), 1999, provides that “every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria”.
Furthermore, Section 38(1) of the Constitution makes provision for the citizen’s ‘freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.’
FIDA loudly calls for urgent action to investigate this deplorable incident and to hold those responsible to account. We must work together to ensure that all offenders are brought to justice and adequately punished in line with our laws, so it serves as a deterrent to others.
Government must as part of its responsibilities carry out aggressive advocacy and sensitization programs to educate the society about these rights and freedoms every Nigerian is entitled to enjoy, stressing respect for individual rights, cooperation, understanding, and tolerance
FIDA sincerely commiserates with the family of Ms. Deborah.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to the promotion, protection, and preservation of the rights of women and children in Nigeria. We exercise our mandate through the provision of free legal representation for indigent women and children and also by advocating for gender-friendly reforms of the law.
JusticeForDeborah
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by adminFIDA Nigeria Organises a Capacity Building Workshop for Fifty (50) Traditional & Faith Leaders On SGBV, CEFM & CTIP Response Strategies
FIDA Nigeria in collaboration with Palladium under the SCALE (Strengthening Civil Advocacy & Local Engagement) Project which is being supported by USAID is strengthening the capacity of fifty (50) traditional and faith Leaders on SGBV, CEFM & CTIP prevention and response strategies across twenty-four (24) local communities where these issues are prevalent.
In a statement by her Programme Manager, Mr. Fikih Obaro, he stated that these training will hold in the month of May 2022 in Delta and the Federal Capital Territory and is meant to increase gender-sensitive information and awareness-raising on the menace because Traditional and Faith Leaders are uniquely placed to prevent SGBV & CEFM where they are domiciled, given their understanding of the local context, and having native knowledge of predisposing factors & practices that encourage and allow SGBV, CEFM, and TIP to thrive. These 24 communities cut across six states namely Delta, Bauchi, Katsina, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, and Osun States respectively.
It is our expectation that at the end of this training workshop, traditional and Faith Leaders will be well equipped to serve as advocates and paralegals which will transcend in the development of byelaws in preventing this menace. Furthermore, they will be able to institutionalize and establish coordinated response and referral pathways in tandem with Law Enforcement agencies towards ensuring arrests and prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes, while working with state actors to create a gender sensitive& protective environment for survivors.
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
by adminFIDA Abuja Advocacy Outreach
On the 2nd of May 2022, FIDA Abuja branch ably led by the Chairperson Ms. Chibuzo M. Nwosu, successfully carried out an advocacy outreach at the Chief of Karu’s Palace Dr. Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi JP the Saka Ruyi of Karu FCT, Abuja, to sensitize members of the Community of Karu on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).
It was an eventful outing as the members of the community expressed their gratitude on FIDA’s visit
by adminFIDA Warri Branch Pays Courtesy Visit to Honourable Justice T.O. Uloho
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Warri Branch ably led by her Chairperson Megbele Ogechi Jessica with members of the Executive Committee on 25th day of April, 2022, paid an advocacy visit to the Administrative Judge of Otu-Jeremi High Court, Honourable Justice T.O. Uloho at the Otu-Jeremi High Court premises.
The advocacy visit to the administrative Judge is to solicit support and also for membership drive.
The visit was a huge success, Honourable Justice T.O. Uloho in her response commended the branch and its leadership, and encouraged the Executives to reach out to other members of the bench and old FIDA pioneer members and further pledged her support for the branch.
The Branch also presented to Hon. Justice Uloho a branded throw pillow.
More photos from the courtesy visit
by adminFIDA Lagos Paid a Courtesy Visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State
FIDA Lagos led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi paid a courtesy visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State on Wednesday 20th of April 2022. Present at the meeting were four Directors of the Ministry including the Solicitor General.
The visit was aimed at enhancing the synergy between the Ministry and FIDA Lagos, intimating the Attorney General of outlined programmes and seeking the Ministry’s support.
The Chairperson spoke on behalf of the delegates, she discussed upcoming law week plans and requested for FIAT to enable FIDA Lagos to assist the Ministry in cases involving violation of women and children’s rights. The Chairperson also spoke on the proposed renovation of the Secretariat.
It was indeed a very successful and rewarding outing.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Implemented a One-day Workshop on the ACJA/L in Ekiti State
FIDA Nigeria with support from Macarthur Foundation implemented a One-day Workshop in Ekiti State on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act/Law (ACJA/L) and other Anti-Corruption Legislative Frameworks in Nigeria, on the 20th of April 2022. In attendance were participants from the NPF, Judiciary, NDLEA, NSCDC, INEC, Ekiti State University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Afe Babalola University, and FIDA members from private practice and other MDAs.
The content of the workshop was robust, engaging and participatory.
At the end of the lectures, the participants came up with an Action Plan which is to be carried out by FIDA Ekiti, being a member of the Ad hoc ACJMC, through her Excos to ensure that actions are taken on suggestions raised during the training.
by adminFIDA Rivers Organized a One-Day Workshop On the ACJL – Practical Approach To Arrest And Related Matters For Law Enforcement Agencies
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch in collaboration with Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council, Rivers State Police Command, International Committee of the Red Cross, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria ( LACON) and Nigeria Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch), held a one day Workshop on: “Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) – Practical Approach to Arrest and Related Matters for Law Enforcement Agencies and Launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme ( PDSS) in Rivers State”.
The event held on the 13th of April, 2022 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House. In attendance were Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court and Magistrates, with 250 participants drawn from different Police Formation Division in the State and other Stakeholders present.
The intensive workshop was declared open by the Chief Judge of Rivers State; Hon. Justice S.C Amadi, while the Keynote Address was delivered by the Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
The Workshop had four different sessions on notable provisions of the ACJL, Accessing free Legal Aid Services at the Police Station: A case study of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme(PDSS), New Practice Direction and Police Reporting Obligations in the State. These Sessions were anchored by eminent resource persons such as; Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea (DCVP) FIDA Nigeria, Mrs.Nnenna Igbokwe (Chairperson Emeritus FIDA Rivers), and other Resource Persons from the International Red Cross Committee, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitory Council.
The workshop was indeed a huge success and will go a long way in strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Rivers State.
by adminFIDA Rivers Held a One-day Workshop on the ACJL – Practical Approach to Arrest And Related Matters For Law Enforcement Agencies
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch in collaboration with Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council, Rivers State Police Command, International Committee of the Red Cross, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria ( LACON) and Nigeria Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch), held a one day Workshop on: “Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) – Practical Approach to Arrest and Related Matters for Law Enforcement Agencies and Launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme ( PDSS) in Rivers State”.
The event held on the 13th of April, 2022 at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House. In attendance were Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court and Magistrates, with 250 participants drawn from different Police Formation Division in the State and other Stakeholders present.
The intensive workshop was declared open by the Chief Judge of Rivers State; Hon. Justice S.C Amadi, while the Keynote Address was delivered by the Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
The Workshop had four different sessions on notable provisions of the ACJL, Accessing free Legal Aid Services at the Police Station: A case study of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme(PDSS), New Practice Direction and Police Reporting Obligations in the State. These Sessions were anchored by eminent resource persons such as; Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea (DCVP) FIDA Nigeria, Mrs.Nnenna Igbokwe (Chairperson Emeritus FIDA Rivers), and other Resource Persons from the International Red Cross Committee, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitory Council.
The workshop was indeed a huge success and will go a long way in strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Rivers State.
by adminFIDA Conducts a One-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria
On Thursday, 7th of April 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch carried out a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria.
Participants were drawn from ICPC, EFCC, FCT Judiciary, prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and FIDA members from prestigious law firms in the FCT.
The Facilitator, an expert on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Anti-Corruption laws gave a very rich presentation that was engaging and took Participants through the four areas of interest and more.
by adminFIDA Nigeria Calls for Better Support in Gender-Based Violence Cases
The latest spate of gender-based violence which increases exponentially day by day, is alarming and quite frankly disturbing. It underscores the critical need to act swiftly to stem the ugly tide, while better supporting victims of abuse to survive.
A cursory glance at the incidences of GBV in Nigeria and around the world, would show that this scourge is a hideous epidemic that needs to be annihilated.
Sadly, despite the provisions of the law, particularly the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) that criminalizes acts of violence which include physical, sexual, verbal, socio-economic, psychological violence and the likes, this scourge encouraged by factors such as underreporting, impunity of perpetrators, cultural/religious beliefs, family/cultural influence, gender inequality, survivor stigmatization/blame, perpetrator threats, denial/secrecy/culture of silence, societal norms, harmful gender norms, etc, continues unabated.
The recent case of the late Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu readily comes to mind. When the story broke online and on most social media platforms of her untimely death allegedly at the hands of her husband, FIDA with her core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, took active steps as regards this matter, calling for full and proper immediate investigations. We are glad that the relevant arm of law has swung into action with the alleged perpetrator currently in police custody for culpable homicide. We condole with the family over this great loss as we are poised to ensure that no stone remains unturned in the fight for justice for the late Osinachi.
GBV is one of the most prevalent human rights violations that knows no social, economic or national boundaries; particularly that targeted at women which has been recognized all over the world as a public health problem with far reaching consequences for the physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health of women, also hindering women and girls from contributing to national development.
FIDA has continually advocated, provided awareness, and propagated the provision of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act; the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), alongside other pieces of legislation on this issue. We seek to familiarize the populace with the position of the law as regards violence, while encouraging adequate reporting of the same so that perpetrators of these acts can be prosecuted and justice gotten for the survivors of violence.
Every gender-based violence case is a potential murder case, and as such early reporting is vital and critical. The public is encouraged to report any, and all cases of violence; and better support the victims of abuse! Fida remains un-shakingly resolute in handling these cases for free (pro-bono), at zero cost to the complainant, as we abhor all forms of violence in whatever form it manifests itself, and believe that gender-based violence can, and must be eradicated, with adequate prosecution of perpetrators, and stiffer sentences issued.
Ending gender-based violence is a task for all, while reporting perpetrators of violence is the first step towards ensuring that survivors are rescued before they can be maimed or killed. FIDA Nigeria is committed to the cause!
Every state in Nigeria needs to domesticate the VAPP Act which prohibits violent practices and abuses, and is the first legislation that recognizes that men can also be victims of sexual violence as GBV is not gender specific. GBV is preventable and we must shun the culture of “settling” these acts of violence, out of court, as they are criminal acts with prescribed punishments attached to them.
All hands must be on deck to actively condemn and seek to end this scourge
Enough is enough!
endGBVnow
stoptheviolence
fidanigeria
SignedAmina Suzanah Agbaje,
Country Vice President/CVP