26,000 Children Held in Nigeria’s Prisons…Two Arrested in Killing of Nigerian Catholic Priest…Three Kidnapped Persons Killed Despite Ransom Payment…Catholic Priest Abducted in Southeastern Nigeria Released
- Nigerian Minister Raises Alarm Over 26,000 Children in Prison Custody
Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has raised concerns over the detention of 26,000 children in the country’s prisons, calling it an alarming violation of child protection laws.
According to The Punch, Tunji-Ojo revealed on Wednesday that minors make up 30 percent of Nigeria’s total inmate population. He stressed that their detention in prisons violates laws requiring them to be placed in juvenile rehabilitation centers designed for their reform and reintegration.
“Approximately 26,000 children are held in correctional facilities annually, representing over 30 percent of the total inmate population,” he said, vowing to investigate violations and hold institutions accountable.
The Minister assured of the federal government’s commitment to reforming the justice system, particularly addressing the growing number of children in jail.
- Two Suspects in Custody for Abduction, Murder of Catholic Priest
Nigerian military have captured two suspects in connection with the killing of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and murdered earlier this month in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
The suspects ran out of luck on Tuesday, March 25, during a raid in a settlement in the Warsa-Piti community of Lere, Kaduna State, according to military spokesperson Maj. Samson Zhakom. Lere is about 99 miles from Kaura, where Okechukwu was abducted on March 4. His body was found the next day.
Authorities said the 33-year-old prime suspect confessed to being hired by another man living in the same house as the slain priest. The second suspect was later arrested in Kaura.
“The suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation,” Zhakom said, adding that investigations are ongoing to locate others involved in the crime.
- Three Kidnapped Residents Killed in Northern Nigeria Despite Ransom Payment
Three kidnapped residents of Kaduna State, Nigeria, were found dead despite their families paying a large undisclosed ransom, according to a statement from the Surubu Community Development Association obtained by The Punch.
The victims, identified as Obadiah Dangana, Emmanuel Moses, and Danjuma Sardauna, were abducted on March 22 while carrying out daily activities. Their bodies were discovered in a forest by the military on March 24.
“This tragic incident is not isolated,” association spokesperson Caleb Magaji said. “Many of our people remain in captivity even after ransom payments.”
The group called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the area and bring perpetrators to justice.
- Kidnapped Nigerian Priest Regains Freedom; Ransom Payment Unconfirmed
A Catholic priest abducted in southeastern Nigeria has been released, church officials confirmed Tuesday.
Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Imo State, was kidnapped Sunday while traveling to a retreat. His abductors initially demanded ₦50 million ($32,500) before lowering it to ₦20 million ($13,000).
However, it was not disclosed whether the ransom was paid for his freedom. The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese announced Ubaechu’s release in a statement, saying he was released on Wednesday, March 26.
Police had confirmed the kidnapping on Monday, stating that an intelligence-driven operation was underway to secure his release. However, further details about the circumstances of his release or any arrests related to the abduction were not provided.
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Ezinwanne Onwuka reports from Abuja.
