Headlines
Human Trafficking: Legal practitioner urges judges to speed up cases
A legal practitioner, Mr Joe Abaagu, has called on Nigerian judges to speed up human trafficking cases to ensure timely delivery of justice to victims.
Abaagu, also the Vice Chairman, Justice Development and Peace Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja said this when he spoke with newsmen on Thursday.
He said that delays experienced in human trafficking cases often made the victims give up.
According to Abaagu, human trafficking has become a lucrative criminal business, with the traffickers using all available means to frustrate court cases around the world.
He, however, said judges in the country needed to take advantage of the Administration of Criminal Justice System to speed up all criminal trials, including those involving trafficking in persons.
In his words, “I believe that if the judge who is handling a trial bears in mind the factor that the various parties are waiting for the outcome he will indeed speed up the trial.
“The judge will make sure the prosecutor does not delay in bringing his witnesses in order to prosecute the case and will ensure that the defence also does not waste the time of the court.
“The judge will ensure that there’s a maximum of adjournments that a party can take in criminal trials and would ensure that it is stopped.
“Some defence counsels with weak cases often indulge in tricks and such tricks include delays.”
Abaagu said judges needed to take control of the trial to ensure minimal delays and quicker dispensation of justice.
In his remarks, Mr Agaran Alao, Deputy Director, Intelligence and Public Enlightenment, NAPTIP, said the agency has since its inception in 2004 received 10,273 reports on human trafficking, while 18,535 victims were rescued.
He said that 8,348 suspected traffickers were arrested within the period under review and 530 successfully prosecuted.
He urged Nigerians to be on the alert as traffickers often disguise to cover their real intentions.
“Trafficking in persons has gone beyond sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, it has now been extended to organ harvesting and even killing of victims to have their organs sold,” he said.
He said that Traffickers in Persons (TiP) have adopted new tricks including the use of technology, hunting, fishing, surrogacy, and sports; especially football, orphanage and homes among others.
(NAN)
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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