News
#EndBadGovernance Protests : CISLAC Says Detention of Minors Not Good for Nigeria’s Global Image, Urges Swift Release

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned the detention and reported maltreatment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
“It is disturbing and damaging to Nigeria’s global image to witness such treatment of young citizens who were only exercising their constitutional rights,” said CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.
In a position statement today, CISLAC called on First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to intervene, urging her to see these young detainees as “her own children.”
CISLAC appealed to President Bola Tinubu to halt these actions by government officials, including the Minister of Justice, and to immediately order the release of the minors.
The organization further urged international bodies like UNICEF, the World Food Organization, the World Health Organization, and the Save the Children Foundation to join in condemning the incident and pressuring the Nigerian government for an unconditional release.
Said CISLAC: We expressed deep concern following reports that several detained children, some under the age of 15, collapsed due to malnutrition inside a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The minors have been held since August by the Nigerian police after participating in protests against worsening insecurity and deprivation in the country.
“The inhumane detention and maltreatment of these children must end. Anyone responsible for detaining these minors unjustly is the true criminal here, and this incident warrants urgent intervention.”
Images and videos from the courtroom, circulating widely on social media, depict the harrowing scenes of some minors lying on the floor as lawyers and others tried to revive them.
The incident occurred when the minors were brought to court from various police detention cells, where reports claim they were denied adequate food and medical care.
Sources allege that the prolonged detention and harsh conditions were intended to punish the minors, who have been accused of fighting the government despite the absence of credible evidence.
CISLAC called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take immediate action, advocating for the rights of the detained minors.
The organization further urged international bodies like UNICEF, the World Food Organization, the World Health Organization, and the Save the Children Foundation to join in condemning the incident and pressuring the Nigerian government for an unconditional release.
“Detaining these children under such appalling conditions is unconscionable,” said Rafsanjani.
“We are appealing to all responsible authorities to ensure their swift release and hold accountable those who orchestrated their detention. This incident stands as a dark stain on our national commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights.”
The minors were initially detained following a police order, which cited alleged involvement in a supposed plot to destabilize the government.
However, CISLAC and other rights groups argue that their detention violates both national and international human rights standards.
Business
Dangote Refinery Begins Nationwide Fuel Distribution Amid Mixed Reactions

The Dangote Refinery has officially commenced the distribution of refined petroleum products across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. However, the development has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders and citizens alike.
The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone of Lagos State, is Africa’s largest and one of the world’s biggest single-train refineries. With a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the launch of fuel distribution is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
While government officials and industry leaders have hailed the move as a “game changer” for the Nigerian economy, some citizens and market observers have expressed concerns over pricing, distribution efficiency, and transparency in the supply chain.
Energy analysts note that while the refinery’s operations could stabilize fuel supply and potentially lower prices in the long run, the immediate impact on pump prices remains uncertain due to global crude oil dynamics and local policy factors.
The Dangote Group, led by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, has described the development as a major step toward ending Nigeria’s fuel import dependency and boosting local employment and investment.
As fuel tankers begin to roll out from the refinery to different parts of the country, all eyes are on how this new phase will shape Nigeria’s downstream sector — and whether it will bring long-awaited relief to consumers.
News
Niger State Makes Preaching An Offense Without Licences
The Director- General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, had said anyone interested in preaching in Niger must obtain a licence, emphasising that preachers had two months to obtain their licences.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has said it is mandatory for preachers in the state to submit their sermons for approval.
He spoke on TVC’s Politics on Sunday: “I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done.
“We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
Asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said, “It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying.
We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military.”
The Director- General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, had said anyone interested in preaching in Niger must obtain a licence, emphasising that preachers had two months to obtain their licences
.“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.”
News
No Danger from Ikeja Gas Odour, Rescue Ongoing at Ebute-Metta Collapse – Lagos Fire Service Assures (Photos)

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has assured residents and commuters within the Ikeja axis that there is no cause for alarm following the detection of a passive gas odour in the area.
In a statement released on Saturday, the agency attributed the odour to a routine gas pipeline maintenance exercise being carried out by Axxela Group, the parent company of Gaslink, which operates gas pipelines supplying parts of Lagos.
According to the Fire Service, the exercise involves the controlled release of residual gaseous particles and poses no threat to public safety. Fire and Rescue teams are actively patrolling the area as a precautionary measure.
“The public is hereby assured that the situation is under control,” the statement read. “The saturated air is expected to dissipate shortly, and residents are advised to go about their normal activities without fear.”
In a separate incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed that a four-storey building under construction collapsed at 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, Ebute-Metta, at approximately 7:46 p.m. on Friday.

Emergency responders, including the Fire Service, have rescued three adult male victims alive from the rubble.

However, search and rescue operations are ongoing as two construction workers are still believed to be trapped.

All relevant emergency services are currently on the scene, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Residents are urged to remain calm and follow official communication channels for verified information.

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