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Rights group demands probe of NDLEA officials over alleged abuse, attempted rape
A Bauchi-based human rights organization, Council for Affirmative Action has tasked the Bauchi State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to as a matter of urgency investigate and handover the perpetrators of alleged gross human rights violation and attempted rape to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution.
The human rights organization further demanded to know whether the action or the act of the perpetrators was done with the consent of the Command.
It then threatened that failure to hear from the Command within five working days of the receipt of the petition, it will not hesitate to approach the court demanding an order of mandamus compelling the Command to do the needful.
In a petition written by the organization, acknowledged by the State Command of the NDLEA, titled ‘Complain against Baba Hayatu, Abubakar Adamu and other Officers of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency’, it alleged that the mentioned officers acted in a way that violated the human rights of the complaint, one Mal Auwal Abdullahi, a 30-year-old butcher.
According to Mbami Iliya Sabka, a human rights defender, “the facts are that, Mr. Auwal Abdullahi, 30 years old, male, Muslim, businessman (Butcher) and resident of Wuntin Dada, Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State herein refers as the petitioner.
“That on the 18th day of October, 2022 at about 7: 30pm or thereabouts, when the petitioner was at his business place in Wuntin Dada market, he saw three men who were on mufti without any form of identity, beating one Aminu Aminu Alkali whose father was a Magistrate Judge.”
He explained further that, “The petitioner and other people got to intervene seeing the gross human right violation by your men who appeared without any official dress for identification as law enforcement agents.
“That your men let Aminu Aminu Alkali go and they started beating the petitioner to the extent they tore his clothes, reason being that he interrogated them for their identity if truly they are law enforcement officers.
“That after the incident, the petitioner went back home to change, on coming back to his business place in the Market square, he came across one among the persons that beat him and the community leaders insisted that the officer must identify himself considering the trend of insecurity in the country. The officer identified himself and the petitioner got to know that they were men of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“That at about 12:00hours on 18th day of October 2022, the same group of people on mufti raided the house of the petitioner and searched every person in the process. That one among the officers entered the petitioner’s bedroom and met one Aisha Auwal, grabbed, hugged her and in the process, he dragged her and Aisha shouted for help, his phone fell down and he picked the phone and fortunately he left the memory card inside the bedroom and they all ran away.
“The next day, the petitioner and eyewitness went to report the matter to the village head of Wuntin Dada and showed him the memory card as an exhibit which contains pictures of some among the officers that entered the house of the petitioner without a search warrant”.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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