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CCB Probes CJN, NJC, Others Over Alleged Child Trafficking
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has commenced probe on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Delta State Judiciary and others over an alleged child trafficking and illegal adoption of children in Delta State.
The investigation on a petition dated 26/11/19 borders on abuse of powers in the illegal adoption of children/child trafficking by public officers of the Delta State Judiciary, Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The petition was written by the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State branch on behalf of a child rights activist, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho.
This was contained in a letter signed by one Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi on behalf of the chairman of CCB.
The letter dated 20/12/19 with file number CCB/HQ/ II&M/007/1980 was addressed to the Delta State Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Prince Kehinde-Taiga, now national vice president of CDHR.
The CCB letter read thus, “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of petition/complaint dated 26/11/2019 titled, ‘Gross violation of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Abuse of Powers’, in the act of trafficking thousands of innocent children from Delta State by Public Officers of the Delta State Judiciary, Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Judicial Council in gross violation of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. I am to further inform you that it is receiving due attention.”
The CDHR Delta State branch, which relied on the private investigation of Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, had accused public officers of the Delta State Judiciary, Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs and the NJC of abusing their powers by indulging in sharp practices of illegal adoption of children thereby causing the disappearance of thousands of innocent children from Delta State.
The public officers affected by the said petition dated 26/11/19 includes, Judges: Hon. Justices, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed (Chief Justice of Nigeria); Marshal Umukoro (Delta State Chief Judge); C.N. Ogadi, J.A Edun, A. A. Onojovwo, Stella Ogene and T.O. Uloho , as well as NJC’s secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh Esq.
Magistrates listed in the petition include, Mrs A. A Edewor Esq, F. I. Dike Esq, and Reyenieju Enaso Esq.
The High Court Registrar: E.Z Dolor Esq.; Area Customary Court Assessors, Michael G. Odia; Caroline A. Ijegbulem; David B. Ojuederie; Eleunor Lydia Ochuko; Boyowa Alfred Etsagbara; Omoni Beatrice Kronakigha; Efenamere Esther; Iwemah John Ogheneseruomu; Ogadi Patrick Gregory; Nwabueze Elizabeth N; Obro Sameul I; and Ovririe Rose Ogagaoghene; as well as Customary Court President, Atiene Harrison, Esq.
Security agencies’ officials affected are, Director General, State Security Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Director Of Legal Service, State Security Service (DSS) Asaba, Emmanuel Daubryl; Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Adeyinka B. Adeleke; and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
Also mentioned in the petition are, Delta State Women Affairs officials: Director of Child Development, Fred Ugheni; Mrs Jane Adebayo; Mrs Gladys Peugeren; and Barrister Bridget Anyafullu.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.