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HURIWA Condemns Benue Government’s Armed Invasion of Joy FM, Calls It an Assault on Press Freedom

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State Government, calling it a brazen assault on press freedom and democracy. The rights group described the armed invasion by security operatives as a clear case of state-sponsored thuggery and intimidation against the media, warning that such dictatorial actions could plunge Nigeria into a dangerous era of media suppression.

Reports indicate that on Thursday, a team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mr. Sunday Odagba, and Mr. Ikwue Ikwue of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1 pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.

Reacting to the incident, HURIWA stated that the use of armed policemen to shut down a media house under the guise of enforcing tax collection is not only excessive but also a violation of constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of the press. The association expressed outrage that such an action could take place in a democratic setting and called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately order the reopening of the station while holding those responsible for the unlawful attack accountable.

“This is a disgraceful and unacceptable act of intimidation against a legitimate media organization. The invasion of Joy FM by armed policemen in a commando-style operation is a calculated attempt to silence the press and instill fear in journalists who dare to report freely. This is state-sponsored thuggery, and we will not tolerate it. The Benue State Government must explain why a tax enforcement exercise required the use of live ammunition, gun-wielding security operatives, and the physical assault of journalists,” HURIWA declared.

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The rights group emphasized that no government has the authority to shut down a media house arbitrarily, especially without due process and adequate notice. It noted that if Joy FM was owing any statutory levies, proper legal procedures should have been followed to address the matter, instead of resorting to armed intimidation.

“We are particularly disturbed by reports that the station was not even aware of any outstanding payments before this barbaric action. The claim that the station owed N150,000 for a business premises levy is laughable and only exposes the political motives behind this action. If indeed Joy FM had defaulted in any payment, was the only solution to storm the station with heavily armed policemen as if chasing terrorists? This is an outrageous abuse of power and must not be swept under the carpet,” HURIWA said.

HURIWA further called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the illegal use of its personnel in what appears to be a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the press. It questioned how a state government was able to deploy a large number of armed operatives for a mere tax enforcement drive, warning that if this pattern is allowed to continue, no media organization in Nigeria will be safe from government persecution.

“This incident reflects the worsening state of press freedom in Nigeria. The police must explain how they allowed themselves to be used in such an oppressive manner. Nigeria is not a military dictatorship, yet journalists are now being forced to stop their broadcasts at gunpoint. If we do not resist this now, other state governments will copy this lawlessness and begin shutting down media houses that expose their failures,” HURIWA warned.

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The association reiterated its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene immediately and ensure that Joy FM resumes operations without any further harassment. It also urged media practitioners, civil society groups, and international human rights organizations to take a firm stand against this brazen attack on press freedom.

“If the government of Benue State does not reverse this unconstitutional act and reopen Joy FM immediately, HURIWA will mobilize civil society groups, legal experts, and concerned citizens to challenge this abuse in court. We will also petition international press freedom organizations to take up this case and expose the increasing clampdown on the media in Nigeria. The time to act is now,” the group declared.

HURIWA concluded by reminding the Benue State Government that a free press is the cornerstone of democracy and that attempts to gag the media will only strengthen public resistance. The association vowed to continue monitoring developments surrounding this case and ensure that those behind this abuse of power are held accountable.

*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko*
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
January 31, 2025

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Labour Party: LPPMC hails Supreme Court victory for Sen. Nenadi Usman, calls for unity 

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April 5, 2025

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By Amos Tauna, Kaduna

The Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), has expressed its full solidarity with Senator Nenadi Usman, the National chairperson of Labour Party National Caretaker Committee, and the NLC Political Committee on the landmark Supreme Court judgment that overturned earlier rulings of the High Court and Court of Appeal that erroneously affirmed Barr. Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party.

Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, National Coordinator of

Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), in a statement said, “We call on all Nigerians to seize this moment to see it as a stepping stone toward reclaiming their country. The journey to a New Nigeria where leaders are accountable, institutions work, and citizens thrive, demands our collective resolve.”

According to him, the apex court’s resounding vindication of Senator Usman’s principled legal battle marks a pivotal triumph for democracy, internal party justice, and the collective aspirations of Nigerians yearning for credible leadership.

The LPPMC applauds Senator Nenadi Usman’s unwavering courage in pursuing the case to its logical conclusion, saying that her doggedness in challenging flawed judgments through the judicial hierarchy has not only restored integrity to the Labour Party’s leadership but has also reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man.

He stated, “By declaring her appeal meritorious, the Supreme Court has validated her steadfast commitment to due process, rule of law, and the ideals of transparency that underpin the New Nigeria project.”

The statement added, “This judgment is a clarion call to all progressive forces to unite under Senator Usman’s leadership. It is a historic opportunity to rebuild the Labour Party as a credible vehicle for rescuing Nigeria from the clutches of bad governance, economic collapse, and systemic corruption.”

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Okundaye urged all LPPMC members nationwide, Labour Party stakeholders, the NLC, and the Obidient movement to rally behind Senator Nenadi Usman’s caretaker committee, advising that it is not the time for division but for solidarity to consolidate the hard-won victory.

 

He called alls for collaborative action to implement reforms, promote inclusivity, and position the Labour Party as the authentic voice of the masses.

According to him, “The Supreme Court’s judgment is a testament to Senator Usman’s resilience, the NLC Political Committee’s solidarity, and the righteousness of our collective cause. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in the rule of law and the possibility of a functional nation. Let us unite under her leadership to transform this legal triumph into a political revolution that upends bad governance.”

 

The LPPMC said it recognizes the role played by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Committee in the struggle, stressing that their relentless advocacy, mobilization of workers, and unwavering solidarity with Senator Usman’s cause were instrumental in sustaining pressure for justice.

“The NLC’s commitment to reclaiming the Labour Party as a vehicle for progressive governance aligns with the LPPMC’s vision of a nation where institutions serve the people, not vested interests,” the statement explained.

 

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Accident claims 7 lives on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

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April 5, 2025

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No fewer than seven persons died in an early morning accident at NIPCO filling station axis on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Saturday.

The Spokesperson, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, Mrs Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta.

Okpe stated that the crash, which occurred at 7:00a.m., involved a Mack truck marked SEY 363 YY, a tanker with registration number T2900LA and a bus marked LSD 180 YA.

The FRSC spokesperson said that 15 people were involved in the accident, comprising 13 men and two women, adding that four persons were injured while seven people died.

She said that the accident occurred due to speed and loss of control by the driver of the Mack truck, which rammed into the two other vehicles.

” The injured victims were taken to Divine Touch Hospital and Glory Center Hospital, Ibafo, while the deceased were taken to Idera morgue Sagamu,” she said.

The Sector Commander, Mr Akinwumi Fasakin sympathised with the families of the crash victims.

He urged those whose family members were on the road early in the morning, but had still not arrived their destination to contact FRSC for more information. (NAN)

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Navy confiscates vessels carrying illicit arms, crude oil in Niger Delta

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April 5, 2025

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The Nigerian Navy has apprehended some vessels carrying illicit arms and stolen crude oil and destroyed several illegal refining sites through its Operation Delta Sanity II in the month of March.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu said the troops had on March 7, uncovered and destroyed an illegal refinery site laden with about 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil, and 2,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), at Oteghele community in Warri, South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

He said the site also contained one oven, nine dugout pits, 15 polythene sacks of illegally refined AGO, 13 sacks of stolen crude oil, and one pumping machine.

He added that a big wooden boat laden with 40,000 litres of crude oil was seized around Okrika and Ogajama general area in Rivers on March 8.

“On March 9, a seagoing vessel, MFT Olokun VIII with IMO Registration N0: 8778275 was arrested around Saint Nicholas River in Bayelsa, with illegal arms and ammunition onboard.

“The arms included one G3 Rifle, one pump action gun, 20 rounds of 762/51mm ammunition and seven live cartridges.

“Two suspects linked to the illegal firearms were also arrested and will face prosecution,” he said.

The naval spokesman said the troops had on March 10, discovered and deactivated three illegal refinery sites, with three ovens, seven dugout pits, and eight sacks with 3,700 litres of crude oil around Obodo Omadino in Warri, South-West Local Government Area, Delta.

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He added that 23 polythene sacks with 1,900 litres of illegally refined AGO was also discovered at the site.

According to him, a vandalised wellhead, eight illegal refinery sites, 55 ovens, 12 reservoirs and 30 dugout pits with about 55,000 litres of stolen crude oil and about 4,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were discovered and seized around Ohaji/Egbema West in Rivers on March 13.

“On March 14, two wooden boats laden with over 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and two drums were seized along Dodo River in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

“On March 15, a fibre boat laden with 1000 litres of stolen crude oil was seized around Bille/Krakrama waterways in Rivers.

On March 17, three Illegal Refinery Sites, two ovens, 10 dugout pits, three sacks with about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 18 polythene sacks of about 1,900 litres of illegally refined AGO were discovered and deactivated around Obodo Omadino in Warri, South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

“On March 20, two wooden boats actively siphoning crude oil from a wellhead, two drums of stolen crude oil and one cooking oven were discovered and seized around Clough creek and Dodo river in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

“On March 23, two illegal refining sites, 2 ovens, 10 dugout pits, 13 polythene sacks, three drums, with 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized around Oteghele, Obodo Omadino general area,” he added.

Adams-Aliu said the troops also seized a wooden boat laden with 1500 litres of crude oil was around Bille and Krakrama creeks in Rivers and another boat with about 100,000 litres of crude oil was around Egbessan oilfield, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

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According to him, a wooden boat laden with 30,000 litres of illegally refined PMS was seized at Okirika axis in Rivers.

He said the troops had on March 27, uncovered and deactivated a suspected cultist/kidnappers camp, four vandalised wellheads, eight illegal refining sites containing 40 ovens, 30 reservoirs, 50 dugout pits, with about 70,000 litres crude oil, 25,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 15,000 litres of illegally refined kerosene.

He added that a storage facility with 15 jerrycans (30 litres) of illegally refined AGO was discovered around Bigimi, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, among others during the month.

“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, hereby reiterates that the Nigerian Navy ,will continue to intensify its operations in support of Nigeria’s economic activities, particularly the mandate to improve crude oil production as directed by President Bola Tinubu,” he said. (NAN)

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