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Attorney-General of the Federation advocates for stronger community justice and state policing to address Nigeria's security challenges
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Monday called for stronger community-based justice systems and renewed debate on state policing, stating that Nigeria鈥檚 security crisis cannot be tackled from the center alone. Speaking at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto branch, Fagbemi highlighted that many of Nigeria鈥檚 security threats originate from unresolved local disputes over land, family matters, resources, or identity. He stressed that security must be rooted in communities and not solely driven by federal institutions. Fagbemi reignited calls for decentralized policing, describing state police as critical for strengthening grassroots security due to faster response, deeper local intelligence, and a better understanding of cultural dynamics. He added that state policing would also improve public trust and ease pressure on federal security agencies. The AGF disclosed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases, reflecting a commitment to the rule of law. Earlier, Chairman of the NBA Sokoto branch, Rashida Muhammad, warned that insecurity is eroding public confidence and threatening national cohesion, emphasizing the need for strong legal frameworks. Fagbemi charged lawyers to go beyond courtroom advocacy and act as stabilizing forces within their communities, advocating for alternative dispute resolution and stronger legal aid systems. Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.
The Nigerian Federal Government is prepared to collaborate with investors to address the nation's housing deficit, offering land nationwide for mass housing projects. This was announced by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Darma, during a meeting with a Chinese delegation. The delegation, led by Chief Engineer Lewis Chima, proposed a partnership to deliver large-scale affordable housing. Darma noted that this proposal aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes affordable housing through public-private partnerships. The minister affirmed the ministry's commitment to facilitating access to land and providing institutional support for successful project implementation. Chima stated that the company was drawn to Nigeria due to its significant housing demand and economic potential, aiming to complement the Renewed Hope Housing Programme by providing affordable, durable, and rapidly deployable housing solutions across the country鈥檚 six geopolitical zones. The company plans to use advanced prefabricated construction technology under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing model to deliver 10,000 housing units within 30 months, reducing costs and improving quality. Darma has directed a committee to review the proposal. Nigeria faces an estimated housing deficit of about 17 million units, which the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aims to tackle through various initiatives, including Renewed Hope Cities, Estate