News
Enugu State police Commissioner holds Working Group on transparent justice system; says proxy arrest unlawful


BY: Ikenna Oluka
- Suleiman Balarabe hosts Working Group on Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice
- Says ACJA and ACJL meant to remove delays in administration of justice
- Recommends the upgrading of facilities at detention centers in the country
The Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command Suleiman Balarabe says proxy arrest is unlawful as there is no provision in the nation’s laws that permits the arrest someone in place of another.
According to him, everyone who has committed a crime is expected to answer for his or her own actions.
CP Balarabe said that the practice of proxy arrest had been stopped in Enugu State since he assumed duties.
The CP was speaking today during an advocacy visit to him by Enugu State Working Group on the project Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria, a project by CLEEN Foundation with support from MacArthur Foundation.
CP Suleiman Balarabe explained that in line with the provisions of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and Enugu State Administration of Criminal Justice law 2017, once the conditions of bail are met, a man or woman is allowed to take a person or an accused on bail, emphasizing that gender is not a condition for allowing people to take accused persons on bail.
He said that ACJA and ACJL are meant to remove delays in administration of justice, noting that the Police is doing its best to ensure the implementation of the Act and law.


He said that the police focus on criminal cases and does not venture into civil cases.
Speaking on provisions of Section 35 of Enugu State ACJL, the Commissioner of Police Suleiman Balarabe said that Magistrates were free to visit police stations, as there was nothing to hide and because such a visit would be in the interest of the society at large.
On the challenges in the implementation of ACJA and Enugu State ACJL, CP Balarabe said that those controlling the resources should look at those things hindering investigation and prosecution of cases and allocate adequate resources to them.
He called for provision of equipment such as wireless or solar powered CCTV, so that the country could move to digital way of administering justice.
The Police Commissioner also said that there is witness protection in some advanced countries so as not to endanger them after giving witness, as he said that some people shy away from appearing as witnesses in court so as not to endanger their lives.
He recommended the upgrading of facilities at detention centers in the country.
Earlier, the Executive Director Women Information Network (WINET), Mrs. Miriam Menkiti who led working group members on the visit stated that the working group was set up to monitor and follow up the implementation ACJA and Enugu State ACJL.by key stakeholders.
She said the project Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Criminal Justice in Nigeria seeks to use technology through digitalization of court judgements in Nigeria to promote accountability and transparency in the fight against corruption.


Mrs. Menkiti said that Women Information Network (WINET) and African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) are implementing the project in Enugu State with support from CLEEN Foundation and MacArthur Foundation.
Other members of the working group on the visit are representatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Enugu State, Prisoners Welfare Rehabilitation (PRAWA), National Youth Service Corps, AFRILAW, WINET and some media organizations.


Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.
The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added.
The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.
Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.


The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka


The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.


The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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