Nigerian stakeholders advocate for justice system reform to better serve women and girls
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Stakeholders and gender advocates are calling for a fundamental redesign of Nigeria’s justice system to better protect women and girls, especially survivors of gender-based violence. This call emerged from a Ford Foundation dialogue held during CSW70 in New York, United States. The discussion highlighted that Nigeria's plural justice system, which includes statutory, customary, and religious frameworks, often has gaps due to high costs, slow processes, and restrictive cultural norms. The Dein of Agbor, Obi Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagboruzi, noted that economic barriers like court fees and transportation costs often make formal justice inaccessible for women, pushing them towards customary systems that may not offer adequate protection. Justice Bukunola Adebiyi of the Lagos State High Court emphasized that laws alone are insufficient, stressing the need to strengthen investigation and evidence-gathering. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development in Enugu State, shared that many families withdraw cases because the perpetrator is often the breadwinner, stating, “Justice competes with survival—and too often, survival wins.” Prof Joy Ezeilo, Executive Director of WACOL, moderated the session and argued that Nigeria’s plural legal system should evolve towards a single standard of dignity and equality. Dr ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, concluded that the future of justice for Nigerian women requires i
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Zacchaeus Olatunde, one of the teachers rescued after 56 days in captivity in Oyo State, stated that their abductors released them before security personnel escorted them home. During a telephone interview, Olatunde recounted the ordeal of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. He mentioned that captives were blindfolded throughout their captivity and could not determine their location. The abductors communicated in Hausa, Nupe, English, and Yoruba, identifying themselves as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, not Boko Haram. Olatunde described conditions where they were fed twice daily with rice, beans, onions, margarine, and salt, but were unable to bathe or wash clothes for 56 days. Initially, prayer was prohibited, but later allowed with restrictions on mentioning Jesus or praying aloud. Their release was unexpected, with the commander informing them they were free. Olatunde, who was the last to leave due to a broken handcuff key, was directed by the commander to the correct route after attempting to follow others. The former captives trekked for about an hour before motorcycles provided by the kidnappers took them closer to a village, followed by another 1.5 hours of trekking to meet security personnel. They initially feared the security personnel due to their Hausa language and the buses lacking number plates and having Arabic inscriptions. Olatunde also shared how he helped younger pupils cross rivers and how his arthr
Child health experts are cautioning parents against bathing babies and children with cold water, particularly during Nigeria's rainy season, due to risks of hypothermia and increased susceptibility to infections. Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, Head of Paediatrics at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, explained that babies lose heat faster than adults and are vulnerable to hypothermia in cold environments. While cold water does not directly cause pneumonia, it can weaken a child's immunity or trigger complications for those with underlying conditions like asthma and sickle cell disease. Dr. Ayodele Renner, a Consultant Paediatrician, added that a drop in body temperature stresses a child's system, affecting feeding, growth, and overall well-being. Both experts recommend using lukewarm water, ensuring a warm room, and immediately drying and covering the baby after bathing. They also dismissed the belief that cold water strengthens babies as unfounded.
Former Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi believes Stanley Nwabali's return to South African club Chippa United could lead to his recall to the national team. Akpeyi stated that Nwabali's absence from the Super Eagles squad was primarily due to a lack of regular club football, not a decline in ability. Nwabali was Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the team reach the final, and remained number one through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he has not played for the national team since leaving Chippa United by mutual consent in February, missing recent campaigns and friendlies. Akpeyi emphasized Nwabali's proven quality for Nigeria, stating, "He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places." Akpeyi explained that being unattached to a team makes national team invitations difficult. He added that Nwabali's decision to return to Chippa United, where he began his career, offers him the best chance to regain form and earn the trust of the coaches. Nwabali aims to establish himself at Chippa United as the 2026/27 South African Premiership season starts on August 1, with an eye on Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign beginning in September.