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Prostitution, Sin Under Two Religions Practised In FCT -Shogunle
The Head of Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit, Abayomi Shogunle, has said that prostitution is a sin under the two main religions practised by residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He slammed those who condemned the clampdown on prostitutes in Abuja, warning that prostitution is a criminal act in Nigeria.
He also drew attention to medical warning that prostitution is responsible for the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, adding that prostitution provides lifeline for violent criminals.
He noted that the practitioners don’t pay tax to government, and concluded by saying that the (Nigerian) culture frowns at it.
Shogunle, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, made his view known via a tweet on his verified Twitter handle @YomiShogunle yesterday.
Shogunle tweeted in reaction to the arrest, conviction and subsequent sentencing of 27 prostitutes at the FCT on Monday.
A mobile court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Monday, sentenced 27 women to one month in prison for prostitution.
The convicts, who were arrested last Wednesday and Thursday, were, however, given an option of N3,000 fine each.
Their lawyer, Jennifer Ogbogu, explained that the sex workers pleaded guilty to the charges against them and were summarily convicted and sentenced.
Already, the issue has been trending, with hashtag #AbujaPoliceRaidonWomen
Nigerians have voiced their support for the matter or the criticism of same, even as Shogunle had taken a position, detailing his point of view on the issue. His Twitter followers have since taken him up, though.
See their reactions: @YomiShogunle; Those making noise on the clampdown on prostitutes in #Abuja; •Prostitution is a crime under the la •P is a sin under the 2 main religions of FCT residents •Medicine says P is spreading HIV & STD •P is lifeline of violent criminals •P don’t pay tax •<ØóÝ<ØìÝ culture frowns at P.
Shogsy @cashoggy; I don’t think you understand the outrage. It is about the procedure and handling of suspect, engagement rules. Nobody is condemning arrest of prostitutes. You completely missed the point. <ØóÝ<ØìÝculture frowns at P.
Janey@JaneBuchi ; Let me ask you, how do you differentiate a prostitute from a young woman who went to hang out with her friends?Or do we label every woman seen outside at night a prostitute? You can do better than this,what about the allegations of abuse being meted on these women by your people?
AdebiyiOlukayode @KayodeOAdebiyi; What of the clients to the prostitute? Are they legal by both the law and religion? Since our constitution is based on religious sentiments nowadays? All the policemen collecting “wetin you carry” do they pay tax or is it backed religiously? You people will be alright!!!
IfyAnene @Ifeyinwanene; You go to a club or anywhere there are many women, arrest them, then tag them prostitutes. How do you determine who is and who isn’t?
Ile Ife @ileiife; Nigerian culture frowns at tattoo. It frowns at sagging. It will be okay to know the population of “prostitutes” with HIV/STD and how many people who got HIV from “prostitutes”. Who defines who a prostitute is and what of male prostitutes? Why were they not arrested?
EngrAdeife @AdewaleAdeife; Keep that same energy against police brutality sir.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.