News
Hunger Protests Paralyse Commercial Activities In Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, Others
Nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance erupted across Nigeria, yesterday, as citizens vent their frustration over the country’s prevailing economic hardship.
While many demonstrations were peaceful, pockets of violence were reported in various regions as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest entered Day One, yesterday.
The nationwide protest, which aims to address various socio-economic grievances, brought economic activities in Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano and many other States to a near standstill.
In Lagos State, traders observed their weekly sanitation exercise which is held every Thursday and ends by 10 am.
In what coincided with the commencement of the protest, the usually bustling markets in the state remained shut after the exercise.
Major markets in Ikotun, Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja, Dopemu, and Akowonjo, Ayobo were all shut.
There was also a similar sight in the Ikeja and Agege and Ojota areas of the state.
A few traders were however seen loitering around the market areas, anticipating the turn of events, while some residents were seen clustered around their communities, discussing the developments.
Banks and filling stations were also closed down in these areas.
Meanwhile, heavy security presence was sighted along these areas as they were seen manning strategic locations.
The protest tagged, “Days of Rage” would hold nationwide from August 1 to 10.
In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, a large number of protesters converged opposite the Federal Secretariat, Port Harcourt as early as 9am. They, thereafter, marched to the Government House, Port Harcourt, where the State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, addressed them.
While addressing the protesters in front of Government House, Fubara said, “I thank you for being peaceful. I thank you for coming. I feel your pain. I want to assure you that I will deliver your message to the President.
“Here in Rivers State, we will do everything to make life better. But all we need from you is to support the Federal Government. We know there is hunger but just be patient with the government.”
Some of the protesters who spoke to newsmen called on President Bola Tinubu to address the grievances of the protesters.
They decried the excruciating hardship in the country and called for a return to the fuel subsidy regime.
The police were also seen at strategic locations across the city.
Major streets in Port Harcourt were deserted due to the protest.
The popular Oil Mill market was deserted while others areas such as First and Second Artillery witnessed low activities. Similarly low activities were witnessed at the popular Mile One market.
Our correspondent who moved round the city also observed that most commercial enterprises such as banks and filling stations were shut, while a handful of civil servants turned up for work at the state Secretariat.
Major roads such as the Aba-Port Harcourt Express Road witnessed low traffic as few commercial and private vehicles were seen on the road.
At Artillery, some protesters were seen displaying the Nigerian flag.
There was, however, a twist to the protest when some Keke drivers at the Location Junction in Port Harcourt blocked the road and brought out N200 and N100 notes and teared them to show the worthlessness of the Nigerian currency.
In Kaduna, the protests which began peacefully around the popular NEPA roundabout in the metropolis, turned violent as the protesters attempted to force themselves into the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House.
But the protesters vandalised government property including the office of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency along the Sokoto Road in the heart of the state.
Part of the office was burnt while furniture and some property in the office were carted away leading to the arrest of 25 protesters
The Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, ASP, said those arrested attempted to hijack a peaceful protest.
According to the spokesman, the protesters had been instructed to submit their details to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
“However, some elements within the group defied this directive and turned violent, attempting to breach the Government House and damaging a police armoured vehicle,” he said.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Kila, who visited the scene said, “We have gone round the state and all is calm.”
He also denied the imposition of a 24-hour-curfew in the state as reported by some media.
In Kano State, hoodlums looted the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Industrial Park just days before its scheduled launch.
The Digital Innovation Park, designed to support Nigeria’s technical talent accelerator program (3MTT), was reportedly set ablaze and looted during the protests.
Photos circulating online show youths leaving the scene with looted items, including computers, furniture, and electronics.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, who confirmed the incident, lamented the destruction of the technology hub.
“Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters,” Tijani stated in a post via X, yesterday.
Tijani highlighted the immediate impact of this destruction on the planned initiatives.
“Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week,” he added.
The minister characterised the damage as a setback for the journey to deepening the workforce for technology and creating job opportunities for the youth.
“Millions of Naira down the drain,” Tijani lamented.
In Calabar, Cross River State, several journalists and activists were beaten, handcuffed, and taken by security agents to unknown locations in the State.
The Managing Editor of an online newspaper, CrossRiverWatch, Mr Jonathan Ugbal, was among the arrested journalists.
It was gathered that they were taken by security personnel, along with other activists who engaged in a peaceful protest to an undisclosed location.
The journalists were following some activists around the popular Mary Slessor Roundabout in Calabar, where a handful of protesters had gathered to commence the 10-day nationwide protest.
While monitoring the protest, Ugbal had allegedly posted a video in the morning showing that the surrounding roads to the Mary Slessor Roundabout were deserted.
In a rare display of youthful activism, children aged 8-13 and youths took to the streets of Jalingo in Taraba State to protest the prevailing hardships.
The children chanted, “Bamu ai, bamu ai,” which translates to “We don’t agree, we don’t agree,” to draw attention to the challenges they are going through.
The protest began on the popular Hamaruwa Way and proceeded towards the flyover bridge, a notable landmark in the city.
The participants, primarily children and teenagers, were vocal about their grievances, demanding immediate action to alleviate their suffering.
The protesters were closely monitored by personnel from the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
However, the nationwide protest suffered a setback in the South East as Igbos shunned the hunger protest. Instead, they opted for a sit-at-home
In Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States, many residents stayed indoors as there was no unusual assembly of people and protests, even though some shops were closed, including banks.
The boycott was in compliance with the directives of the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, that the South East should stay away from the protests.
In Enugu State, for instance, residents observed the nationwide anti-hardship and misgovernance protest through sit-at-home.
The Tide source who went round the state capital reports that economic and social activities were paralysed as residents deserted roads.
Shops, petrol stations, malls, and event centres were completely shut down as of 10.am.
Although entrance gates of major markets in Enugu such as Ogbete Main Market, New Market, Abakpa Market, and Emene Market were thrown open, there was nobody in those markets.
At ShopRite and SPAR Market, only security operatives were seen moving around.
At Okpara Square, only fierce-looking soldiers and policemen were seen occupying the entrance and road leading into the square.
While the gate of Enugu State High Court was open, no worker was inside except two security men at the entrance gate. At the Federal High Court, the gate was under lock and key.
Commending the Igbo people worldwide for their steadfast support and adherence to the decision to abstain from the nationwide protests, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement yesterday, said, “We, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wish to express our profound gratitude to all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.
“The South East region has shown remarkable unity and resilience in standing against external pressures and manipulations aimed at using the Igbo as sacrificial lambs for selfish political agenda.
“The South-East’s total compliance with the directive to abstain from the protests is a testament to the newfound sense of unity and determination among Ndigbo to put an end to the systematic manipulation and exploitation by certain unpatriotic elements and privileged elite.”
However, top government personalities, groups, and religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern, and several other stakeholders in the country have called for the cancellation of the protest, citing a palpable fear that it might be hijacked by infiltrators who do not mean well for the country.
Boye Salau & John Bibor
City Crime
Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Teenage Pregnancies, Begins Adolescent Sensitisation Campaign
The Department of Public Health in the Rivers State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in society as it intensifies efforts to educate adolescents across the state.
Programme Manager for Adolescent Health and Development in the department, Mrs. Tammy Briggs, expressed the concern during a sensitisation programme held at Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Briggs explained that the campaign was designed to educate adolescents on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and other health-related issues affecting young people.
According to her, teenage pregnancy is currently on the rise, making it necessary for the ministry to step up awareness programmes among students.
“This is something that is on the rise for now. We have observed that there are many cases of teenage pregnancies, so we are here to sensitise them on ways to prevent it entirely,” she said.
She disclosed that the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in selected schools across four local government areas of the state, namely Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.
Briggs noted that the programme focuses on several key issues affecting adolescents, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, emotional health and proper nutrition.
She added that the outreach programme also featured tuberculosis screening for students as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and mathematical sets to support their health and academic development.
The programme manager commended the management of Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme for their cooperation and support in hosting the sensitisation exercise. She also advised the students to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Nwadike Chinonso urged the students to make informed decisions about their lives and remain focused on their education.
He cautioned them against engaging in early sexual activities, stressing that abstinence remains one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Some of the students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the team for the awareness campaign and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to make responsible life choices.
Disturbing allegations of extortion, intimidation and the smuggling of prohibited items have unsettled the Kwale Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Delta State, prompting calls for urgent intervention by the national authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Service amid fears of potential security breaches within the facility.
The development was disclosed by a senior officer at the Delta State custodial facility, who expressed concern over what was described as entrenched irregularities capable of undermining discipline and operational standards at the centre.
According to the source, detailed findings compiled between December 2025 and January 2026 highlighted patterns of misconduct and warned of possible security consequences should the allegations remain unchecked.
At the centre of the claims is a powerful corrections official serving as Officer in Charge of the Kwale facility, accused of presiding over persistent financial extortion, high-handedness and the victimisation of inmates under his supervision.
The document further indicated that the alleged practices may have originated during the tenure of a former General Provost, reportedly with the collaboration of another senior custodial official within the system.
Intelligence details suggested that inmates were allegedly compelled to contribute funds for projects and items considered outside the statutory framework of inmate welfare, raising questions about compliance with established correctional guidelines.
Among the financial demands reportedly imposed were ¦ 300,000 for the repair of a Hilux vehicle, ¦ 600,000 for the purchase of a freezer and ¦ 750,000 for a generator allegedly designated for the Officer in Charge’s residence.
The report also alleged that inmates were required to make payments before being conveyed to court, while Awaiting Trial Persons in Cells One to Nine were directed to raise ¦ 30,000 per cell, with Convict Cells One to Three, including a designated VIP cell, similarly mandated to pay ¦ 30,000 monthly.
Observers noted that if substantiated, such practices would amount to grave breaches of professional ethics and custodial administration standards, eroding principles of fairness, transparency and inmate welfare within correctional institutions.
Beyond the financial allegations, the intelligence brief raised concerns over the purported possession of unauthorised communication devices, alleging that a serving General Provost had two Android phones while another influential inmate was also reportedly found with a mobile device.
The document further alleged that prohibited items, including alcoholic beverages, Indian hemp and other hard substances, may have been smuggled into the custodial yard under the guise of routine supervision duties, with security sources warning that the cumulative effect of extortion, intimidation and contraband trafficking has heightened tension within the facility.
In view of the gravity of the allegations, they called for an immediate and discreet investigation by the minister of Interior for immediate action to safe the life of inmates.
The administrative review of implicated officers, even as officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service had yet to issue an official statement, with stakeholders insisting that a transparent probe and decisive action are essential to restoring confidence and safeguarding institutional integrity at the Kwale Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the government of President Bola Tinubu at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over the government’s alleged failure to withdraw “unlawful mass phone-tapping rules” known as the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019.
LICR 2019 is a regulation that authorises telecom licensees to install technology for security agencies to monitor communications, including voice, data, text, email, and browsing, for national security and to combat crime.
SERAP, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, yesterday, said the suit followed allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the phone conversation of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was intercepted.
El-Rufai reportedly claimed, “The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me.”
In the suit numbered ECW/CCJ/APP/11/26, filed last Friday at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, SERAP is seeking “a declaration that the failure of the government to withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations is unlawful and a violation of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”
The organisation is also asking the court to declare that the government’s failure to withdraw the regulations “constitutes an official endorsement of unlawful mass phone-tapping rules, as the Regulations are patently unlawful, and violate the rule of law, democratic principles, and the right to privacy.”
It is further seeking “an order directing and compelling the Nigerian government to immediately withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations, and to commence a legislative process to ensure that any interception regulations are in conformity with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”
The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Oni, Valentina Adegoke and Maryam Mumuni, argued that “the Regulations establish a sweeping mass phone-tapping regime that violates Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights, including to privacy and freedom of expression.”
“Where powers affecting fundamental human rights are exercised in secrecy and concentrated in political authorities without independent supervision, the risks of arbitrariness are substantial.
“Surveillance measures that lack strict necessity, proportionality and independent judicial oversight can easily be weaponised against political opponents, journalists, civil society actors and election observers,” it added.
SERAP also warned that the regulations raise concerns as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, noting that broad interception powers could be abused during politically sensitive periods.
“In an electoral climate, even the perception that private communications are being monitored can chill political organising, investigative reporting and voter mobilisation.
“Free and fair elections depend on confidential communications, protected journalistic sources and open democratic debate. Any misuse of intercepted data for intimidation, political advantage or disinformation would fundamentally undermine Nigerians’ right to political participation and electoral integrity.
“As 2027 approaches, interception powers must be narrowly defined, subject to prior independent judicial authorisation and backed by effective remedies. Without robust safeguards, these Regulations risk threatening privacy rights, freedom of expression and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process,” the suit stated.
SERAP maintained that any restriction on the right to privacy must comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality, arguing that the regulations fail to meet these requirements.
SERAP also cited the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as stating that mass surveillance programmes based on indiscriminate and blanket collection of personal data are arbitrary and cannot satisfy the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.
The group said the Nigerian government has a duty to adopt clear laws, safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms and accessible remedies to prevent abuse by state agencies and private actors, including telecommunications providers and technology companies.
According to SERAP, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) adopted the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019 while exercising its powers under Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The organisation argued that Regulation 4 grants broad discretionary interception powers to the National Security Adviser and the State Security Services, with little clarity on the scope or limits of such authority.
SERAP also pointed to inconsistencies within the regulations, noting that while Regulation 4 and Regulation 12 restrict interception powers to the NSA and SSS, Regulation 23 expands the category of authorised agencies to include bodies such as the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and any other agency the commission may designate.
The organisation said this ambiguity undermines legal certainty and creates the risk of arbitrary application and abuse.
It also criticised provisions allowing interception without a warrant in certain circumstances, arguing that such powers are overly broad and susceptible to misuse.
SERAP further expressed concern that the regulations do not require authorities to notify individuals who have been subjected to surveillance, which it said weakens the ability of citizens to challenge unlawful monitoring.
The organisation warned that requirements compelling telecommunications licensees to install interception equipment and disclose encryption keys could undermine cybersecurity and discourage privacy-enhancing technologies.
SERAP acknowledged the government’s responsibility to address national security and organised crime but argued that such measures must remain within constitutional and international human rights limits.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.