News

Christian killings: FG disagrees as CAN backs US senator

Published

9 months ago

October 9, 2025

Admin

/home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CAN.jpg&description=Christian killings: FG disagrees as CAN backs US senator', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">

/home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CAN.jpg&description=Christian killings: FG disagrees as CAN backs US senator', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">

ADVERTISEMENT

The Federal Government has again rejected what it described as “false and baseless” allegations by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who accused Nigerian authorities of orchestrating a genocide against Christians and allowing the destruction of thousands of churches.

But in a statement on Wednesday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Nigerian Christian Association “affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship.”

“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities,” CAN stated.

Cruz, in an interview with Fox News Digital, alleged that more than 52,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009, and over 20,000 churches and Christian schools have been destroyed.

He also announced the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act in the US Senate, a bill seeking sanctions on Nigerian officials he claims are complicit in religious persecution.

But reacting to the claims on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the senator’s assertions as “misleading, exaggerated, and not reflective of reality.”

“The Nigerian government rejects that. This is certainly not true,” Idris said in a statement issued through his media aide. “It’s false to claim that over 52,000 Christians have been killed or that 20,000 churches have been burned. Where did he get those numbers from? It’s absolutely absurd and unsupported by any credible evidence.”

Cruz, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, had claimed that the alleged killings were “the result of decisions made by specific people, in specific places, at specific times,” vowing that the United States “knows who those individuals are” and will “hold them accountable.”

But Idris firmly rejected the notion that Nigerian authorities are complicit in any religiously motivated violence.

“No Nigerian officials will willingly or deliberately side with violent extremists to target any religion. That is absolutely false,” he said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, Idris emphasised the country’s long-standing diversity and coexistence.

“Nigeria is a multi-faith country. We have Christians, Muslims, and even citizens who subscribe to neither. Nigeria is a very tolerant nation, and the government remains committed to protecting the rights of all,” he stated.

While acknowledging that violent extremism remains a national security challenge, Idris insisted that such violence has affected both Christians and Muslims.

“It’s unfortunate that extremists have killed people of both faiths in areas where they operate. But it is wrong and misleading to claim there’s a deliberate plan to exterminate Christians. That is simply not true and very unfortunate,” he said.

He assured Nigerians and the international community that security agencies continue to combat terrorism and banditry in all its forms, without bias or discrimination.

But CAN, its statement, titled, “Christian Genocide” – CAN Clarifies Position, maintained that truly killings are facing persecution, saying, “These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”

The CAN President said, “Over the years, CAN and the wider Christian community have worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The association has established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement. These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat.”

The Christian body said its “concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial.”

“We, therefore, renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

“CAN acknowledges the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges, but urges that these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.”

CAN said, “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”

However, the House of Representatives, at its plenary on Wednesday, aligned with the Federal Government in condemning a proposed United States Senate legislation which designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” — a move that could trigger sanctions on Nigerian officials under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky Act) and related authorities.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (S.2747), introduced in the U.S. Senate on September 9, seeks to compel the U.S. Secretary of State to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and to sanction officials accused of complicity in religious persecution.

Presnting a motion of urgent national importance, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and other co-sponsors noted that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom had, in recent annual reports, recommended Nigeria for CPC designation, citing alleged violations and failures to protect citizens from non-state actor abuses.

Kalu, speaking on the motion, argued that Nigeria’s Constitution “guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and bars the adoption of any state religion.”

He added that successive governments, security agencies, and faith leaders “continue to take measures to protect all worshippers and prosecute offenders,” as reflected in U.S. Department of State country reports.

“The House observes that insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multi-causal — driven by insurgency, criminal banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, separatist violence, and communal disputes — affecting citizens of all faiths,” Kalu said. “International reports attribute a significant share of fatalities to terrorist groups and criminal gangs rather than state policy or any single religious dynamic.”

The lawmakers warned that “external legislative actions based on incomplete or decontextualised assessments risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, misrepresenting facts, straining strategic relations, and unintentionally emboldening violent actors.”

Mindful of Nigeria’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. on counter-terrorism, human rights, and interfaith dialogue, the House “condemned the negative characterisation” of the country and rejected what it called an attempt to “profile Nigeria unfairly.”

Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere described the move as part of a misinformation campaign “bent on demarketing Nigeria,” while Katsina lawmaker Sada Soli urged the Federal Government to “state strongly its disappointment at the deliberate attempt to dent the nation’s image.”

Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru added that Nigeria must urgently strengthen its diplomatic presence, noting that “till now, Nigeria does not have an Ambassador to the United States,” and stressing that the country “cannot afford to fail the African continent.”

The House mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Interior, Information, National Orientation and Values, Police Affairs, Civil Society, and Human Rights to, within 21 days, coordinate a formal diplomatic demarche to the sponsors of the U.S. bill and relevant congressional committees, transmitting empirical data and Nigeria’s official position.

It also urged the Committees to engage the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and interested legislators to propose a Nigeria–U.S. joint fact-finding dialogue.

In addition, the House called for the establishment of a mechanism on freedom of religion or belief — with participation from faith leaders and independent experts — and to invite the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to a briefing session to examine sources, methodology, and possible remedies.

The resolutions are to be transmitted to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heads of security agencies, the leadership of the U.S. Congress (Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees), the U.S. Department of State, USCIRF, the African Union, and ECOWAS Commissions.

News

BREAKING: Nigerian Government Hit with N10m ECOWAS Court Award for Assault on Journalist Oyekunle

Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

ADVERTISEMENT

By Gloria Ikibah

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has slammed a N10 million in general damages against the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the physical assault, unlawful arrest, and seizure of property belonging to a journalist with Independent Newspaper by name Jide Oyekunle.

The landmark ruling in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25 was secured by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) on June 22, 2026, under its eRIGHTS project, supported by the European Union, which focuses on defending human rights in the digital space.

Comrade Oyekunle who is currently the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory Council, on August 1, 2024, during the coverage of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests at the Eagle Square, Abuja, was physically assaulted, unlawfully detained, his photo camera was damaged, while his mobile phone was seized by armed police officers on the order of former FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh.

The Court in agreement with Counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, Esq., that the detention of the journalist and seizure of his mobile phone by the Nigerian police, was “excessive, unjustified, and in violation of international law”.

The ECOWAS Court subsequently found the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating the applicant’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity, and property under the African Charter.

The Court therefore ordered the Nigerian government to pay Comrade Oyekunle the sum of N10 million in general damages.

The court found that Nigeria’s actions suppressed his live coverage, thereby breaching his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter.

It also ruled that the assault and detention violated his rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and freedom from degrading treatment under Articles 6 and 5, while the temporary seizure of his phone violated his right to property under Article 14.

The Court further held that Nigeria’s justification failed the test of necessity under international law, making the conduct of the security forces excessive and unlawful.

In a statement signed by the Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Barrister Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, on Tuesday, said the judgment sends a clear message that a journalist’s digital tools are extensions of the modern press and newsroom and that their arbitrary confiscation by security forces constitutes a direct assault on the public’s right to know.

She said: “The court’s pronouncement adds to the growing jurisprudence from the regional court protecting journalists and human rights defenders who document protests and public interest events.

“ASF France will continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal aid to journalists facing similar violations.

“For Avocats Sans Frontières France and the eRIGHTS project partners, this ruling strengthens legal protections for journalism in the digital age. It shields reporters from tech-based censorship and intimidation, puts security agencies on notice that targeting media practitioners during protests will attract accountability, and reaffirms the ECOWAS Court as a vital shield for civic space in the region.”

Reacting to the landmark judgment, Comrade Oyekunle, said it as a significant affirmation that journalists have the right to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation, harassment, or attack.

According to him, democracy cannot thrive where journalists are attacked for documenting events or where citizens are punished for exercising their lawful rights.

“The decision of the ECOWAS Court is not only about me; it is about every journalist, media worker, and Nigerian citizen who believes in the right to freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful civic participation.

“This judgment sends a clear message that security agencies and government institutions must be held accountable when they violate fundamental rights.

“Because if democracy is all about good governance, accountability, and transparency, then press freedom should not be curtailed, denied, or restricted”, he said.

Oyekunle appreciated everyone who stood by him throughout the journey, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, Avocats Sans Frontières France, colleagues and rights advocates, and all Nigerians who continue to defend press freedom and democratic values.

News

Sowore to relax in Kuje prison as court fixes June 30 for bail ruling

Published

2 hours ago

June 24, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

ADVERTISEMENT

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30 for a ruling on Omoyele Sowore’s motion seeking to vacate the order revoking his bail, as his lawyer pushed for a stay of execution while DSS counsel mounted opposition.

Omoyele Sowore’s freedom hinges on June 30.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed that date for a ruling on the activist’s motion seeking to set aside the bail revocation order that landed him in Kuje Custodial Centre, according to Vanguard.

Sowore’s lawyer, Raphael Adakole, moved the motion for stay of execution before Justice Mohammed Umar, arguing that the June 16 order revoking bail and issuing a bench warrant — triggered by Sowore’s absence from court — should be set aside entirely and the status quo restored.

The application, filed June 19, leans on Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 66(a&b) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, alongside the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

“We adopt the said reply on points of law while placing reliance on the further affidavit and urge the court to grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice,” Adakole told the court.

Justice Umar has now heard both sides. June 30 will deliver the verdict.

News

NDLEA unearths another massive industrial scale clandestine meth laboratory in Oyo forest(Photos)

Published

2 hours ago

June 24, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

ADVERTISEMENT

. Arrests Mexican, 4 others; recovers multi-billion-naira worth of illicit substances

. We’ll find you in the cities, track you into the forests, and dismantle your infrastructure of death, Marwa warns drug cartels

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have struck yet another decisive blow against transnational drug syndicates following the discovery and dismantling of a fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operated by a Nigerian-Mexican cartel deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.

The breakthrough comes barely four weeks after the Agency dismantled a similar massive meth laboratory in a forest in Ijebu East, Ogun State, signaling a desperate attempt by drug barons to turn the Southwest axis into a synthetic drug manufacturing hub.

Speaking on the development at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who was represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi at a press briefing on Wednesday 24th June 2026, commended the gallantry, dedication, and clinical professionalism of the officers involved in the operation.

According to him, “On Wednesday, 17th June 2026, tactical operatives of the NDLEA stormed a highly fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operating deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.

“This was not a rudimentary setup; it was a sophisticated, highly organized transnational syndicate. During the raid, our operatives successfully arrested five key members of the cartel on-site.

They include a 56-year-old Mexican Methamphetamine expert, Jose Villa Ochoa, brought in specifically to provide the technical expertise for large-scale synthesis and four Nigerian collaborators providing logistical support, cover, and local operations. They are: Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and ⁠Ganiu Monsiu, 43.

“The arrest of a foreign cartel specialist on Nigerian soil underscores the transnational nature of this threat, but more importantly, it underscores our Agency’s world-class intelligence capability to track, intercept, and neutralize them. Following the successful raid, a specialized team from our Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring moved in on June 18th, 2026, to conduct a rigorous forensic examination of the facility. What they uncovered is a massive, factory-level production line of poison.

“The laboratory was fully stocked with a frightening array of precursor chemicals, industrial catalysts, and heavy-duty processing equipment. Chemicals and Materials recovered include: Phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), which is the the main, highly controlled precursor required for methamphetamine synthesis; 1800-litre drums containing Phenylacetic acid (the primary precursor used to synthesize P2P); Two 180L drums containing a staggering 300 litres of whitish crystalline substance; Four 180L drums containing dark liquid undergoing synthesis.

“Others include: 101 bags (25kg each) of Caustic Soda; 17 containers (25L each) of Sulphuric Acid; 19.5 containers (25kg each) of Tartaric Acid; 5 containers of Reniso Ultracool 68 (three 50L and two 25L capacity; 25 bottles (500ml each) of 80% Thioglycolic Acid; 2 containers (25L each) of Ethyl Phenylacetate, and 25 cartons of aluminum foil.

“The Industrial Processing Equipment discovered at the site include: One (1) Reactor Pot, which is the heart of the chemical synthesis; Two (2) mounted distillation units and three (3) fabricated mixers and condensers; as well as Two (2) vegetable dehydrator machines used for the rapid drying of the crystals.

“As a result, immediate field tests were conducted by our forensic experts. Samples of the finished crystals recovered yielded a definitive positive result for Methamphetamine. Furthermore, the crystalline substance from the 180L drum tested positive for Phenylacetic acid. Every single gram of these exhibits has been safely evacuated, documented, and preserved for comprehensive and strict evidential presentation in court.

This is yet another multibillion-naira worth of illicit substances and production equipment ready to push millions of doses of synthetic drugs into our streets, communities and the international community but for the vigilance of our dedicated officers.”

Marwa noted that the proximity of the latest discovery to the Ogun State lab uncovered about four weeks ago reveals a desperate attempt by drug barons to establish a synthetic drug manufacturing hub in the Southwest axis, adding that the cartels thought hiding in dense forests would shield them from the long arm of the law but were wrong.

“Let the message go out clearly to all drug cartels, domestic and international that Nigeria is not, and will never be, a safe haven for your illicit trade. We will find you in the cities, we will track you into the forests, and we will dismantle your infrastructure of death. They thought hiding in dense forests would shield them from the long arm of the law. They were wrong”, the NDLEA boss warned.

“We want to commend the gallantry, dedication, and clinical professionalism of our officers of the Oyo state Command involved in this operation. To the Nigerian public, we say thank you for your continued trust and credible information. Together, we are securing the future of our nation”, he added.