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AfAW Wants Sanctions For Abdulrazaq Adamu, Other Witch-Hunting Judges, Magistrates

Published

3 years ago

November 9, 2021

NewTimes

AfAW To Collaborate With FIDA In Combating Witch Persecution In Nigeria

An advocacy group, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), has urged the chief judge of Adamawa to sanction Chief Magistrate Abdulrazaq Adamu and other judges and magistrates that try suspected witches. This call has become necessary following a recent disturbing report that Adamu presided over the trial of three suspected witches in Song Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the leader of AfAW, Dr. Leo Igwe, the group said that the suspects were accused of killing one person and torturing another through witchcraft. “Chief Magistrate Abdulrazaq Adamu went to the extent of inviting a native doctor who made the accused confess in court. Adamu then remanded the suspected witches in custody until November 9. The trial of suspected witches in state courts in this 21st century is shocking and embarrassing”, the group said.

“Unfortunately, this incident was not an isolated case. There have been other reports of witch trials in courts across the state. The chief judge of Adamawa should bring an end to this miscarriage of justice. The trial of accused witches as we have witnessed in Song ended in Europe centuries ago. Chief Magistrate Abdulrazaq Adamu and other misguided court officials are taking the court system in Adamawa and by extension Nigeria, back to the medieval and early modern European times. The Adamawa chief judge should not allow this to happen”, the group added.
AfAW asked the chief judge to sanction and suspend Chief Magistrate Abdulrazaq Adamu and other witch-hunting court officials without delay.

He added : “These magistrates and judges should be sent for retraining and be retired forthwith. The trial of suspected witches has no basis in Nigerian law. Witchcraft is not recognized by the law of Nigeria. So, those prosecuting suspected witches in Adamawa are acting ultra vires. And the chief judge should not allow this illegality to continue.

“The idea of inviting a native doctor to help in the trial and prosecution of alleged witches in a state court is unheard of. Such a dangerous trend and development should be nipped in the bud. The chief judge should order the unconditional release of the suspected witches from prison custody and tender an unreserved apology to these innocent citizens. The chief judge should liaise with other state agencies to combat witchcraft accusations and persecution of alleged witches. They should work to ensure that state courts are places where accused witches could come to seek redress, relief, and protection, not places where they would be subjected to further abuse and violations.”

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DSS Arrests NLC President, Joe Ajaero

Published

3 days ago

September 9, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael

Following the allegations of terrorism financing leveled against him by the State, Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress was on Monday arrested by operatives of the Department of the State Service, DSS.

Ajaero whose arrest occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was said to be on his way to the United Kingdom, UK, where he was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today .

Meanwhile, while reacting to Ajaero’s arrest via a statement on its X handle, NLC described the arrest of the embattled union leader as an intimidation of Nigerian workers by the government and added that such an action would not be accepted.

The statement reads: “The assault on Nigerian workers continues. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was arrested and abducted by men of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, this morning on his way to attend an official engagement of TUC United Kingdom, and he is now detained at the office of the NSA.

“This intimidation and assault must stop!!!” it added.

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Fufeyin: Group Urges NAFDAC To Investigate Faith Healers, Claims

Published

4 days ago

September 8, 2024

NewTimes

Witch Burning, Impunity And Abuses Linked to Witchcraft Beliefs In Benue State

Dr Leo Igwe

The Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation (CTSEF) has welcomed the investigation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) into the activities of a faith-based organization, Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, and its pastor, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin.

According to Dr Leo Igwe, who directs CTSEF, this faith group and the pastor have reportedly been using NAFDAC’s name to deceive the public and market miracle soap and water. They claim that the soap and water have healing powers.

A statement by Igwe said: ” The Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that some members of the public sent petitions to the office claiming that this so-called Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, Km 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State, has been advertising and selling some miracle water and miracle soap with healing powers. Fufeyin claimed that his miracle water and soap could ‘heal’ barrenness and other health issues.

“In addition, he claimed that women would give birth to twins if they used the soap. Fufeyin openly told his congregation that his soap was NAFDAC- registered. Meanwhile, it was not approved or registered with the agency. Some of the products from Fufeyin’s Ministry sent to NAFDAC for verification as a part of the complaint include, “Miracle & Healing Water, River Jordan Water, the Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida, A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water, Water of Life, Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L), A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water, and Father Smelled Perfume.

“CTSEF commends NAFDAC for investigating the activities of Fufeyin, especially his dubious attempts to use the name of NAFDAC to legitimize his fraudulent healing products and claims. Such an investigation is necessary to checkmate other unscrupulous pastors who deceive and exploit the unsuspecting public.

“It is pertinent to note that Fufeyin is not alone in this business. Many self-acclaimed prophets and faith healers make reckless and irresponsible miracle claims. They sell holy oil, holy handkerchiefs, and ‘sacred’ things to people, claiming they have healing powers.

“Meanwhile, there is no evidence that holy water or miracle soap heals. But these faith healers promote and advertise them; they market these fake products and get people to part with their money in exchange for goods without healing powers, as claimed.

“CTSEF enjoins NAFDAC to extend the investigation to all faith healers and healing goods that pastors, prophets, and other self-acclaimed godmen peddle and administer to the public, whether they claim to be NAFDAC-registered or not. NAFDAC should ensure that all faith healers involved in this evil trade are prosecuted and penalized.

“Fufeyin and his ministry constitute threats to public health in the country. The public should remain vigilant and report all who make faith-healing claims to NAFDAC for necessary actions.”

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BREAKING: Tinubu’s Spokesman Ajuri Ngelale Resigns

Published

5 days ago

September 7, 2024

NewTimes

Ajuri Ngelale

President Bola Tinubu’s aide, Ajuri Ngelale, has resigned . Ngelale was the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

New Times learnt that Ngelale proceeded on an indefinite leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

He, however, requested privacy for his family during the challenging time.

The leave of absence takes effect immediately, with no specified date for his return.

He wrote, “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.

“I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.”