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Category: Law and Crime

  • 28-yr-old arrested for Police recruitment scam

    28-yr-old arrested for Police recruitment scam

    ‎The Nigeria Police Force disclosed on Saturday that it’s National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested one Dauda Samuel, a 28 year old male, for his alleged involvement in the Nigeria Police Force recruitment scam, computer-related fraud, and identity theft.

    A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said the arrest followed credible intelligence and multiple complaints from members of the public.
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    “‎The arrest stems from reports that an individual had been impersonating the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Frank Mba, on Facebook.

    “The suspect allegedly exploited this false identity to promote a fictitious Police recruitment exercise, fraudulently extorting money from unsuspecting Nigerians under the pretence of offering employment into the Nigeria Police Force.
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    “‎Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect created and operated fake Facebook accounts bearing the name and image of the DIG in charge of Training and Development DIG Frank Mba without authorization.

    “He was recently apprehended in Panda Village, Nasarawa State, and has since voluntarily confessed to the crime.

    “He also provided valuable information that is aiding ongoing investigations.
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    “‎Efforts are currently underway to identify possible accomplices and trace additional digital footprints linked to the suspect’s activities through digital forensic analysis.
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    “‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun strongly warns individuals engaging in cybercrime to desist or face the full weight of the law.

    “He also advices Nigerians and residents of Nigeria to be wary of individuals offering promises that seem too good to be true and take vital steps to secure their interactions in the digital space.”

  • Why EFCC arrested E-Money

    Why EFCC arrested E-Money

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Daniel, also known as E-Money, for allegedly abusing the Naira.

    Vanguard gathered that he was picked up by operatives of the commission on Monday night at his residence in Lagos.

    The socialite is facing allegations of Naira abuse and the defacement of foreign currencies, linked to his alleged act of spraying US dollars, an offence under Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Act.

    The EFCC stated it has commenced preliminary investigations and plans to charge E-Money to court upon conclusion of its inquiry.

    Vanguard also learned that he has been flown to Abuja for further interrogation by EFCC investigators.

    The alleged currency spraying reportedly took place at a social event in Lagos, although specific details of the occasion remain undisclosed.

    When contacted, EFCC spokesperson, Mr Dele Oyewale declined to comment.

    However, credible sources within the commission have confirmed both the arrest and the ongoing investigation.

  • Lawmakers, telcos clash over kidnapping, phone related crimes

    Lawmakers, telcos clash over kidnapping, phone related crimes

    LAGOS—Some federal lawmakers, yesterday, exchanged heated arguments with telecom operators in the country over the roles they are supposed to play to stem the tide of incessant kidnapping and other phone-related crimes in the country.

    The lawmakers said the telcos were not doing enough to track kidnappers, despite the number of calls they make to victims’ families demanding ransom.

    However, the telcos swifty responded that the lawmakers were mistaking them for security agencies, instead of the telecommunications services providers they were, clarifying that their duties were to provide telecom services to their subscribers and not to catch criminals.

    They  however, clarified that where and whenever the security agencies had needed their support or services in information that would lead to locating or arresting kidnappers and other criminals, who perpetrated crimes through mobile phones, they had gladly and freely rendered result-oriented support.

    The scene played out at the first day of the two-day colloquium on the Nigerian Communications Act, NCA 2003, at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme “22 years after: Reassessing the Nigerian Communications Act –Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria”

    A member of House of Representatives, Ben Etanabene, representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie federal constituency, Delta State, was the first to throw the salvo, wondering why despite all the money and time expended in registering phone lines in the country, kidnappers were still operating freely without telcos tracking them.

    “Every part of this country, kidnappers are on the rampage, kidnapping and making demands for ransom. Why are the telecom operators not tracking and helping in arresting them before they wreak havoc?” he queried.

    Etanabene, who claimed to have been a victim of kidnappers in the past, queried why the telcos and the NCC couldn’t provide geo-location services that would ensure kidnappers were located and nabbed before they carried out their actions, even when all over the world, technology deployment stemmed same crime.

    Corroborating him, another member of House of Representatives, who represents Ile-Oluji in Ondo State, Ayodele Festus, said the telcos should improve their services.

    He alleged that the telcos were smiling to the bank at the expense of subscribers, who hardly finish a call without it dropping at least five times.

    He alleged that there was an increase in customer dissatisfaction because, according to him, “millions of subscribers are deeply frustrated.”

    Also, Mr Moshood Olawale, yet another member representing Lagos Mainland in the House of Representatives, alleged that while it was expected that the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the telcos collaborated for the progress of the sector, what appeared to be playing out was connivance, explaining why telecom tariff goes up instead of coming down.

    However, in a swift reaction, Chairman of Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, punctured the claims of the lawmakers, saying operators were doing a lot to stem phone-related crimes in the country.

    Adebayo said: “In the first instance, we are clearly telecom services providers and do not have the mandate to run around arresting criminals.

    “Again, kidnappers usually don’t use their own numbers to call families of their kidnapped victims for ransom. Rather, they use the phone of the kidnapped, while moving from one point to another.

    “Then, also remember that there is a privacy law, which gives every subscriber right to privacy until there is a lawful reason to intercept their conversations.

    “The worst is that the security agencies have not come to ask for geo-location of event and we refused giving it out. At least, there is Law of Lawful Interception, which gives them right in that regard.’’

    Also responding, Corporate Service Executive, MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, told the lawmakers that in terms of affordability, Nigeria was one of the cheapest country with very low tariff in Africa, meaning that their allegation that Nigerians paid the highest price for telecom services was not based on empirical facts.

    He also reminded the lawmakers to consider legislating on telecom infrastructure protection which would nip the cases of theft and incessant fibre cuts and vandalism, in the bud. On his part, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, corrected the impression that the commission was conniving with telcos but stressed the importance of collaboration of the two bodies to deliver quality services to Nigerians.

  • Judge denies Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs push to delay trial

    Judge denies Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs push to delay trial

    The federal judge in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs for sex trafficking and other charges denied Friday the music mogul’s bid to delay his trial by two months, saying he had ample time to prepare.

    On Monday, the rapper and record producer pleaded not guilty to two new charges added to the criminal racketeering and sex trafficking case: one new charge of sex trafficking and one of transportation to engage in prostitution.

    Judge Arun Subramanian said that the blockbuster trial of Combs, 55, who stands accused by several women of trafficking and sexually exploiting them, should go ahead as planned on May 5. It is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.

    He has denied all charges thus far, insisting that any sex acts were consensual, and he nodded his head vigorously Friday when the judge reminded the courtroom that Combs was innocent until proven guilty.

    “It’s unclear why… there isn’t sufficient time, especially given the now four (law) firms Mr. Combs now has representing him,” the judge said at a pretrial hearing in a Manhattan skyscraper courthouse.

    Combs’s lead lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, had said an extension was required to examine new evidence.

    “The new conduct (alleged) is not new,” the judge said in response.

    On Friday, Combs wore drab prison scrubs, his hair and beard flecked with grey as he rocked from side to side, turning around at one point to blow a kiss to his mother, Janice.

    Also in court was attorney Brian Steele, fresh from securing a successful plea deal for artist Young Thug, who had faced decades in jail.

    Steele did not speak.

    Public allegations have been building against Grammy winner Combs since late 2023, when singer/actor Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleged he had subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs, as well as a 2018 rape.

  • Anambra court adjourns N50m defamation suit against town union leader to July 29

    Anambra court adjourns N50m defamation suit against town union leader to July 29

    The Administrative Judge of the Idemili Judicial Division of Anambra State, Justice Alexander Okuma, has adjourned further hearing in a N50 million defamation suit filed by Sir San Chimezie Igbokwubili Obii, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Obosi community, to July 29, 2025.

    Sir Obii is suing the President-General of the Obosi Development Union (ODU), Barrister Chimezie Obiajeh, and the ODU itself, for allegedly defaming his character on a public WhatsApp platform. The adjournment followed late service of the defendants’ memorandum of conditional appearance and statement of defence on the plaintiff’s counsel, G. U. Nnebe Esq., by defence counsel Lightman C. Okolo Esq.

    In the suit, No. HID/325/2024, Obii seeks N50 million in damages, as well as court declarations that the statements made by Obiajeh on social media were defamatory. The plaintiff also alleges that the publication falsely accused him of threatening Obiajeh’s life and inciting unrest in the community.

    Obii, who is still recuperating from injuries sustained in an armed attack on August 25, 2024, claims he was ambushed by about five unknown gunmen suspected to be hired assassins. Though he narrowly escaped with his life, his Nissan SUV was set ablaze in the attack.

    Further compounding the case, the plaintiff alleges that following the attack, he was unlawfully dismissed as CSO by the first defendant, and his office was locked without his consent. He claims his personal belongings—including cash, a laptop, and critical documents—have remained locked inside since the incident.

    Obii is also asking the court to restrain the defendants and their associates from further acts of harassment or defamation and to compel them to publish a retraction of the alleged defamatory statements in two national newspapers and on the ODU WhatsApp platform.

    In their defence, the defendants admitted to making the September 2024 publication but argued that the statements were truthful and therefore do not constitute defamation. They further claimed the publication was a response to a prior defamatory remark allegedly made by the plaintiff, accusing Obiajeh of being involved in the August 25 attack.

    The court will reconvene on July 29, 2025, for further proceedings.

  • Quadri: Lawyer demands apology, N100m compensation from police

    Quadri: Lawyer demands apology, N100m compensation from police

    Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has demanded a public apology and N100 million in compensation from the Nigeria Police Force for the unlawful detention and framing of Quadri Yusuf Alabi, a 17-year-old boy who gained public attention during the 2023 elections for boldly standing in front of Peter Obi’s presidential convoy.

    Alabi, who was discharged and freed by a Lagos Magistrate Court on April 17, 2025, had spent nearly three months at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri after being falsely accused of armed robbery—a charge which the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions later found to be baseless.

    In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Effiong, who served as lead counsel in the case, detailed how Quadri was abducted by two notorious area boys, known locally as Lege and Baba Waris, near his residence in the Amukoko area of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Lagos. According to Effiong, the teenager was dragged to the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters and framed by both the area boys and complicit officers.

    “The Area Boys had been threatening him since 2023 for not ‘sharing’ donations he received during the election period,” Effiong said. “The family was even pressured by the community’s Baale to buy a cow and rice to appease these hoodlums.”

    Initially accused of street fighting, Quadri’s situation escalated when officers at Amukoko police station conspired to charge him with armed robbery. On January 26, 2025, he was taken before a Magistrate and remanded in Kirikiri. Disturbingly, the police allegedly listed Quadri—who is a minor—as 18 years old and lumped him with four adult strangers as co-defendants in a fabricated robbery case.

    Effiong credited the intervention of civil rights activist Hassana Nurudeen, Co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, for bringing the case to public attention. Following their involvement, Effiong and his legal team swiftly moved to secure Quadri’s release.

    On Thursday, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi ruled that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, indicated no evidence linking Quadri to any crime. The court accordingly ordered his immediate discharge.

    Effiong praised the DPP’s office for upholding justice but called for disciplinary action against the officers involved.

    “We demand that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Inspector General of Police immediately remove the DPO of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and subject him, along with Inspector Odigbe Samuel and other complicit officers, to orderly room trial,” Effiong stated.

    The legal team is also demanding financial compensation of N100 million for the teen’s unlawful detention, alongside a formal public apology from the Nigeria Police Force.

    “Quadri’s case is a tragic example of the deep-rooted corruption, impunity, and injustice that plague the police institution in Nigeria,” Effiong added. “There are many like him languishing behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. This must stop.”

    Effiong warned that if their demands are not met promptly, legal proceedings will be initiated against the police authorities.

    Quadri’s release has sparked renewed calls for urgent police reform, particularly to address the abuse of minors and the manipulation of justice by unscrupulous law enforcement officers in collaboration with community miscreants.

  • Chidinma breaks silence, tells court how she found Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga dead

    Chidinma breaks silence, tells court how she found Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga dead

    The prime suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO, Michael Usifo Ataga, Chidinma Ojukwu, on Thursday told a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square how she discovered his lifeless body in a short-let apartment in Lekki on June 15, 2021.

    Testifying before Justice Yetunde Adesanya, the former 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos said she had returned from buying food and juice, knocked repeatedly without getting a response, then pushed the door open — only to find blood on the floor and Ataga lying motionless in a pool of blood.

    “I dropped everything and rushed to him,” she recalled emotionally, adding that his eyes were half-shut and there was no pulse.

    Led in evidence by her counsel, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, Chidinma recounted her relationship with Ataga, which began in November 2020.

    They met through a mutual friend, Fiyin, who was dating Ataga’s friend, James. She described Ataga as kind and supportive, claiming he paid her school fees and helped finance her cosmetics business.

    She revealed that Ataga, a media executive from Edo State residing in Victoria Garden City, had three children with his estranged wife based in Abuja.

    According to her, on June 13, 2021, Ataga informed her of his upcoming birthday and invited her to spend time with him before traveling to Abuja for a family gathering.

    “Due to ongoing renovations at his VGC residence, he suggested booking a hotel or short-let apartment in Lekki, where he had scheduled meetings,” she said.

    Chidinma stated that she found a short-let apartment at 19 Adewale Street, off Ologolo Road, Lekki, which Ataga approved.

    According to her, they met there that evening, went out to eat at Ango Villa restaurant, bought wine, and returned to the apartment to eat, drink, and smoke.

    On June 14, they woke up late and Ataga allegedly asked her to contact her supplier for ‘loud’ (cannabis) and rohypnol. She said he sent N15,000 for that and later N25,000 for food. She was out for about two hours buying meals due to COVID-related restrictions and delays.

    On June 15, she said Ataga requested more cannabis but asked her to pay since he was unable to transfer funds.

    He also gave her money for food and juice. After a delay caused by a mix-up over the okro soup she was asked to buy, she returned to the apartment — only to be met with a horrifying scene.

    “I saw blood stains, pushed the door open, and saw Michael on the floor, covered in blood. I checked for a pulse — there was none.”

    In panic, she said she cleaned blood off herself, changed clothes, and packed her belongings, including a brown envelope containing Ataga’s bank statements, ID cards, and documents belonging to one Mary Johnson. She also took some jewelry before leaving the apartment in a cab.

    The case was adjourned till April 28, 2025, for the continuation of trial.

  • Causes, consequences of failing justice system in Nigeria

    Causes, consequences of failing justice system in Nigeria

    The justice system is often regarded as the backbone of a democratic society. It is responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting individual rights, and providing mechanisms for dispute resolution.

    However, Nigeria’s justice system is increasingly viewed as failing, characterized by inefficiencies, corruption, lack of access, and inadequate resources. This article explores the multifaceted challenges that contribute to the deterioration of Nigeria’s justice system, analyzes the consequences of these failings, and suggests potential reforms for restoring public faith in the legal framework.

    Historical Context

    To understand the current state of Nigeria’s justice system, it is essential to consider its historical context. Nigeria’s legal framework has evolved through various phases, including colonial rule, military dictatorship, and the subsequent return to democracy in 1999. Each phase has left an imprint on the justice system, often prioritizing the interests of those in power over the equitable application of justice to the populace. While the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process, the legal system remains burdened by historical legacies of corruption and inefficiency.

    Challenges of the Justice System: Corruption

    Corruption permeates every level of Nigeria’s justice system, eroding public trust and compromising the integrity of legal proceedings. Numerous studies and reports have highlighted the prevalence of bribery and graft within courts, police, and correctional facilities. Judicial officers and law enforcement personnel sometimes prioritize personal gain over their duties, leading to a system where justice is often contingent upon one’s financial resources rather than the merits of a case. This corruption not only hampers fair and impartial hearings but also contributes to a growing sense of disillusionment among citizens who feel that the justice system is inaccessible to them.

    The prevalence of corruption can delay justice. Delays in court proceedings due to bribery and other corrupt practices can lead to prolonged trials and wrongful convictions or acquittals.Victims of injustice often lose faith in the legal system, which can lead to social unrest and a lack of legitimacy for legal institutions.

    The independence of the judiciary can be compromised by political pressures and interference, where judges may be coerced into making decisions that align with the interests of those in power.

    Inefficiency and Institutional Weakness

    The Nigerian justice system is notorious for its inefficiencies, resulting from a combination of bureaucratic hurdles, lack of resources, and inadequate infrastructure. Caseloads in courts are often overwhelming, causing significant delays in the adjudication of cases. It is not uncommon for a single case to linger for years, depriving individuals of timely justice. These inefficiencies are exacerbated by outdated laws and procedures that have not evolved to meet contemporary societal needs. The lack of technological integration further complicates matters, with many records maintained in physical form, leading to lost files and mismanagement.

    Addressing institutional weaknesses in Nigeria requires comprehensive reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Efforts must be made to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks, enhance capacity-building through education and training, and foster a culture of accountability within all levels of government. Engaging civil society, harnessing technology, and promoting grassroots initiatives can also play a crucial role in institutional strengthening. Ultimately, a commitment to good governance and the rule of law is essential for fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.

    Inaccessibility

    Access to justice is a fundamental human right; however, for many Nigerians, this remains an elusive goal. High legal fees, inadequate legal representation, and a lack of legal awareness among the population prevent marginalized communities from seeking justice. The concept of pro bono legal services is not well established, and many citizens are unaware of their rights or the legal resources available to them. As a result, individuals from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the failings of the justice system, perpetuating cycles of injustice and inequality.

    Inhumane Detention Conditions

    Nigeria’s correctional facilities are often overcrowded and poorly maintained, violating international standards for humane treatment. Many detainees await trial in conditions that can only be described as inhumane, leading to severe human rights abuses. The lengthy pre-trial detention that many experience reflects the systemic failings of the justice system in safeguarding individual rights. This situation is compounded by a lack of rehabilitation programs, meaning that correctional facilities often perpetuate criminal behaviour instead of facilitating reintegration into society.

    Vulnerable populations, including women, children, and those with mental health issues, often face even harsher conditions. Women may be subjected to gender-based violence or exploitation within detention facilities, and children may be detained with adult prisoners.

    Detainees with mental health issues often receive inadequate care and are sometimes subjected to punitive measures instead of medical treatment. There is often a lack of accountability for human rights abuses in detention practices. Complaints regarding treatment in prisons or police detention facilities may go uninvestigated or unaddressed.

    Courts may not provide effective remedies for victims, allowing abuses to continue with little consequence for perpetrators. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have consistently called for reforms to address the issues of inhuman detention practices in Nigeria. Such reforms may include improving prison conditions, providing adequate legal representation, and ensuring that laws against torture and abuse are strictly enforced.

    Addressing inhuman detention practices in Nigeria requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and the international community. It involves not only improving living conditions and treatment of detainees but also ensuring the rule of law and access to justice for all citizens. Comprehensive reforms, systematic changes in law enforcement practices, and strict adherence to human rights principles are crucial for creating a more humane and fair detention system in Nigeria.

    Violence and Insecurity

    The rising tide of violence, particularly from armed groups, crime syndicates, and communal conflicts, has placed additional strain on the justice system. Security agencies often find themselves overwhelmed, and the inability to protect citizens leads to further erosion of trust in legal institutions. In many cases, victims of violent crimes feel powerless to seek justice, fearing retribution or lack of accountability for perpetrators. This culture of impunity undermines the rule of law and creates an environment where citizens are less likely to engage with formal legal processes.

    Consequences of a Failing Justice System

    The consequences of Nigeria’s failing justice system are far-reaching, affecting not only individuals but also the broader societal fabric.

    Erosion of Public Trust

    Widespread corruption and inefficiency have led to a significant erosion of public trust in legal institutions. Citizens increasingly view the justice system as biased and ineffective, leading to a reluctance to seek legal remedies for grievances. This disillusionment contributes to a culture of impunity, where individuals may resort to extrajudicial means to settle disputes, further undermining the rule of law.

    Social Inequality and Disempowerment

    The inability of the justice system to provide equitable access to justice perpetuates social inequality. Marginalized communities, particularly those in rural areas or from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, are disproportionately affected. The resulting disempowerment has a cascading effect, as individuals who cannot seek justice for rights violations become trapped in cycles of poverty and marginalization.

    Hindered Economic Development

    A reliable justice system is a cornerstone for sustainable economic development. Investors typically seek environments where the rule of law is upheld, and contracts are enforced. Corruption and inefficiencies deter foreign investment and can lead to a lack of confidence in the domestic legal framework. Consequently, Nigeria’s economic potential is significantly hampered by the failings of its justice system.

    Potential Reforms

    Addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s justice system requires a multifaceted reform strategy that engages various stakeholders.

    Strengthening Institutions

    Improving the integrity of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies is paramount. This can be achieved through rigorous training, better remuneration to reduce incentives for corruption, and the establishment of independent oversight bodies to monitor and investigate judicial conduct. Increasing transparency through the publication of court decisions and financial transactions can also enhance accountability.

    Access to Justice Initiatives

    Expanding access to legal services is critical. The establishment of more legal aid clinics, alongside awareness campaigns about legal rights, can empower citizens to seek justice. Collaboration with local NGOs and community organisations can help bridge the gap between legal services and those most in need.

    Infrastructure and Technological Advancement

    Investing in technological solutions such as case management systems, online filing, and data digitization-can reduce inefficiencies and help streamline court processes. Modernizing the legal framework to discard or amend outdated procedures will facilitate quicker adjudication of cases.

    Human Rights Protection

    Improving conditions in correctional facilities should be a priority, including the implementation of rehabilitation programs. Addressing human rights issues holistically requires collaboration with civil society organisations to monitor conditions and advocate for the rights of detainees.

    Community Engagement

    Encouraging community involvement in legal processes can foster a greater understanding of the law and build trust. Community courts or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can serve as effective platforms for conflict resolution, particularly in rural areas where formal institutions may be less accessible.

    Conclusion

    Nigeria’s justice system is at a critical juncture, faced with numerous challenges that undermine its efficacy and credibility. Corruption, inefficiency, inaccessibility, and human rights abuses conspire to create an environment where justice remains out of reach for many citizens. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from both the government and civil society to reform institutions and processes. Without significant changes, the justice system risks further decline, which could exacerbate societal divisions and undermine the rule of law. By prioritizing justice system reform, Nigeria can work towards a more equitable and just society, re-establishing faith in the legal framework and promoting democracy and human rights for all citizens.

  • UK top court rules definition of ‘a woman’ based on sex at birth

    UK top court rules definition of ‘a woman’ based on sex at birth

    Britain’s Supreme Court ruled Wednesday the legal definition of a “woman” is based on a person’s sex at birth, a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for the bitter debate over trans rights.

    In a win for Scottish gender-critical campaigners who brought the case to the UK’s highest court, five London judges unanimously ruled “the terms ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman, and biological sex”.

    However, the court underlined that the Equality Act also protected transgender people from discrimination.

    The act “gives transgender people protection” through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, but also protecting against discrimination in their acquired gender, Justice Patrick Hodge said handing down the verdict.

    It is the culmination of a years-long battle between the Scottish government and campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) — which launched an appeal to the Supreme Court after losing pleas in Scottish courts over an obscure legislation aimed at hiring more women in public sector bodies.

    Dozens of FWS and other gender critical campaigners, who argue that biological sex cannot be changed, cheered with joy after the ruling, hugging and crying outside the court.

    “This has been a really, really long ride,” said Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland, adding the campaigners were “enormously grateful for this ruling”.

    “Today, the judges have said what we always believed to be the case: that women are protected by their biological sex,” she said, adding “women can now feel safe that services and spaces designated for women are for women”.

    Ahead of the verdict, trans rights activists raised concerns that a ruling in favour of FWS could risk discrimination against trans people in their chosen gender.

    “The court is well aware of the strength of feeling on all sides which lies behind this appeal,” Hodge said, recognising the fight of women against sex discrimination, as well as a “vulnerable” position of the trans community.

    – Single-sex spaces –
    At the heart of the legal battle were clashing interpretations of the Equality Act.While the Scottish government argued that the Equality Act (EA) afforded trans women with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) with the same protections as a biological female, FWS disagreed.

    In its judgement, the Supreme Court ruled that the devolved Scottish government’s “interpretation is not correct” and that the Equality Act was inconsistent with the 2004 Gender Recognition Act which introduced GRC certificates.

    According to the judges, allowing for the Scottish government’s interpretation would “cut across the definitions of man and woman” in the Equality Act “in an incoherent way”.

    And, single-sex spaces and services including changing rooms, hostels and medical services “will function properly only if sex is interpreted as biological sex”, the judgement added.

    Despite underlining protections from discrimination, the ruling will be a blow for transgender women and their ability to access single-sex spaces — a significant contention in the polarised debate on trans rights.

    – Online discourse –
    The debate has been particularly vicious in the UK, pitting gender critical activists against trans rights campaigners and often resulting in bitter, even hateful discourse.

    One of the most prominent supporters of gender critical campaigns is “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling, who lives in Scotland and has been the target of hate but also been accused of transphobia.

    The ruling also comes at a time when transgender rights are under threat in the United States under President Donald Trump.

    Since retaking office, Trump has declared the federal government would recognise only two sexes, male and female, sought to bar trans athletes from women’s sports and curbed treatments for trans children.

    The latest UK ruling could pile pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government — which has remained largely silent on trans issues since coming into power last July — to further clarify legislation.

    The opposition Conservative administration had blocked Scottish legislation to make gender change easier in 2022 and has supported the clarification of sex as biological sex rather than assumed gender.

  • Nnewi murder: Anambra CP sets up team to monitor Agunechemba operatives

    Nnewi murder: Anambra CP sets up team to monitor Agunechemba operatives

    AWKA – Following the tragic killing of a woman during a traffic gridlock in Nnewi on Tuesday, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has established a special team to monitor the activities of Agunechemba, the new state government security outfit. One of its operatives is allegedly responsible for the fatal shooting.

    According to eyewitness reports, the incident occurred at Ibeto Junction, where motorists were stuck in a heavy traffic jam. Agunechemba operatives reportedly arrived at the scene and attempted to forcefully clear the road for their convoy. In the process, they began shooting indiscriminately, and a stray bullet struck a woman identified as Chiamaka Okeke, who later died at the hospital.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and stated that the command had initiated immediate steps to identify the patrol vehicle and the personnel involved in the shooting.

    Ikenga said: “We have escalated the matter to the leadership of Agunechemba to help identify the patrol teams that were in Nnewi on that day and the specific operative who discharged the firearm.”

    He added that CP Orutugu has appointed a monitoring team, headed by DCP Mantu Chong, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Awka, to ensure all operatives maintain civility and adhere strictly to operational guidelines.

    Ikenga continued: “The CP, on behalf of other security agencies, expresses gratitude to the state government and well-meaning individuals for their support. He also appreciates the coordinated efforts of the police and other security outfits in tackling crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping, particularly during the Easter season.”

    The Commissioner emphasized the force’s commitment to justice and accountability, highlighting that community policing and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms are in place for peaceful resolution of issues where applicable.

    “We appeal for calm. The command is working closely with relevant security stakeholders to identify the suspect and ensure justice is served. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold,” Ikenga assured.

    He concluded by reaffirming the police command’s resolve to continuously review operations and adopt new strategies to enhance public safety and security across Anambra State.