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Falana Takes Legal Action: Advocates for Minors’ Education Rights After Protest Release
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Femi Falana, has announced his intention to sue the federal government for neglecting the educational rights of minors who were detained following protests against poor governance. This declaration came during the launch of Judicial Terrorism: A Macabre Trial and Death Sentences on Major General Zamani Lekwot and 5 Others on the Zangon Kataf Crisis, a book by Mr. Richard Akinola, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
At the event, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, expressed concern that “32 years into Civil Rule, the country’s judicial system still harbors military parasites.” He recalled how the Buhari administration undermined Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, through the Code of Conduct Tribunal in 2019, leading to Onnoghen’s removal under dubious charges that only saw him acquitted in November 2024.
Falana shared his recent courtroom experience where he represented 119 Nigerians, including 29 minors. He noted that the government withdrew the frivolous charges against them, feeling too ashamed to continue in open court. “While the minors have been released, ending the trial is just the beginning. These children, who should be in school, must be rehabilitated. If the government neglects its duty, we will take legal action as mandated by the Child Rights Law, which guarantees free, compulsory education up to junior secondary school, and we will fight to extend this to senior secondary school,” he asserted.
In his address titled “Military Terrorism in Judicial Robes,” which was read by Comrade Owei Lakemfa, Odinkalu stressed the significance of remembering historical injustices, warning, “If we forget yesterday, we cannot remember today, and our tomorrow suffers.” He recounted the aftermath of the 1983 coup, highlighting how military tribunals were misused to settle scores, leading to the execution of individuals for non-capital offenses.
Reflecting on the Zangon Kataf case, Odinkalu criticized the judicial decisions pre-determined by the regime, asserting that the remnants of military rule continue to taint the judicial system, where “military logic overrides justice.”
Mr. Richard Akinola added that Justice Benedict Okadigbo’s actions during the Zangon Kataf tribunal represent a low point in Nigeria’s judicial history, lamenting the current political influences on judges that erode public trust. He quoted Lord Denning, stating, “When a judge sits on a case, he himself is on trial,” calling for greater accountability in the judiciary.
General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, clarified that while some instances of judicial terrorism exist, they do not represent the entire military establishment, emphasizing that “misuse of power does not reflect the ethos of the military as an institution.”
In closing, Bishop Hassan Kukah, who contributed the foreword to Akinola’s book, urged Nigerians to unite and overcome internal divisions, appreciating the nation’s stability compared to those suffering from war or displacement. He encouraged a spirit of forgiveness, reminding the audience that everything occurs under God’s will.
The 114-page book, structured into seven chapters, pays tribute to General Zamani Lekwot, who attended the launch in person.
The body of the former chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died a few days ago, has arrived in Nigeria.
The body arrived in the country on Tuesday night.
Lagbaja had reportedly battled aggressive prostate cancer that had got to the late stage.
All medical efforts to cure him had fallen through.
The Presidency on Wednesday announced the death of Lagbaja.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said Wednesday morning in a STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE that: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation”.
Donald J. Trump just won the 2024 election. President Elect Trump will be getting inaugurated on January 20, 2025 as the 47th President of The United States after the Electoral College vote on January 6th 2025.
The former president’s victory was the highlight of a big night for Republicans, who were also projected to regain control of the Senate after four years in the minority.
The fate of the House of Representatives was too close to call early Wednesday, with the majority not likely to be determined for several days.
In an eerie repeat of the scenes on Election Night 2016, thousands of Harris supporters who gathered on the campus of the veep’s alma mater, Howard University, to watch the results come in were left shocked and in tears as it became clear their candidate could not win.
In the end, it was not Harris but her campaign co-chair, Cedric Richmond, who was left to inform the desolate crowd that the Democratic nominee would not be appearing.
“We still have votes to count … so you won’t hear from the vice president tonight,” said Richmond, a former Louisiana congressman and Biden White House official. “She will be back here tomorrow.”
“Go HU and go Harris.”
The 45th president had projected supreme confidence against Harris, 60, in the final days of the race, with heavy messaging aimed at male voters and a marathon schedule of rallies and media appearances — including a shift at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s.
Meanwhile, Harris downplayed both her potential to make history as the first female president and her racial identity as a child of Jamaican and Indian immigrants.
Instead, she campaigned as a pro-small business warrior for the middle class, while seemingly disavowing a host of former left-wing stances she had espoused as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general and a senator from the Golden State.
Trump’s victory makes him just the second president to be elected in non-consecutive cycles, joining Democrat Grover Cleveland — who was picked as the 22nd president in 1884 and the 24th president in 1892, with Republican Benjamin Harrison of Indiana serving four years in between.
The race was widely considered a toss-up right through Election Day, as surrogates for both candidates made rhetorical blunders that received widespread media attention.
Corpse of Lagbaja arrives Nigeria as Presidency confirms death
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