The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), led by national chairman, Falalu Bello, has expressed its condolences to the families and communities affected by the recent stampedes in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo States.

The tragic incidents, which occurred during food distribution events and a funfair in Ibadan, have claimed numerous lives.

Bello conveyed the party’s heartfelt sorrow to the victims’ families, stating that these incidents highlight the alarming conditions many Nigerians are forced to endure.

He described the situation as a societal crisis, pointing to the escalating hardships faced by citizens nationwide.

PRP’s acting publicity secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, issued a statement on Sunday, attributing the stampedes to growing poverty and desperation in the country.

The statement noted that these tragedies underscore the extreme inequality exacerbated by years of systemic misgovernance.

“The alarming frequency of such incidents calls for a moment of serious reflection by government at all levels,” the statement said.

“The happenings expose a failure to prioritize the welfare and safety of citizens amidst increasingly dire socio-economic conditions.”

The PRP also criticized the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, for not addressing the growing hardships caused by policies such as the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The party accused the administration of failing to alleviate the suffering of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

“Such anti-people policies have plunged countless families into abject poverty, forcing them to make desperate choices just to survive,” the statement read.

The PRP called on leaders to take immediate, concrete actions to tackle the root causes of such preventable tragedies, emphasizing that this is not only a call for better governance but a demand for the protection of human dignity and life.

“It is imperative that our leaders awaken from their lingering slumber and take immediate, concrete actions to address the root causes of these tragically preventable incidents,” the statement concluded.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who are grieving during this difficult time.”

A court has ordered the Nigerian police to either arraign detained human rights activist, Olamide Thomas, within 48 hours or release her unconditionally.

This ruling came as part of a fundamental rights case filed by Thomas against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

The ongoing case was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Abdullahi Liman, with the next hearing scheduled for January 6, 2025.

Thomas, an outspoken advocate for civil liberties in Nigeria, had filed the lawsuit after claiming her rights were violated by the police following her alleged abduction in Lagos, followed by her transfer to Abuja.

The suit, which is under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1892/V/2024, highlights concerns over the unlawful detention of Thomas’ uncle, who was reportedly arrested as a means of pressuring Thomas to surrender.

This act, according to her legal team, violates both the Police Act and her fundamental rights.

Thomas is represented by her counsel, S.M. Oyeghe, who explained that they had previously filed a suit against the IGP, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Head of Cybercrime for the unlawful arrest and detention of the activist.

Additionally, an ex parte application was made for her bail or production.

In response to the motion for bail, the ruling stated: “The arrest of the applicant’s uncle in place of the applicant as a bait to capture her was improper, unlawful, and a violation of the Police Act. The FREP Rules and the Police Act provide for interim orders. The detention time limit is 24 or 48 hours. Any detention beyond the specified time would constitute a violation of the Constitution. The respondent is ordered to arraign the applicant within 48 hours or release her unconditionally.”

The legal proceedings concerning the fundamental rights suit are scheduled to continue on January 6, 2025, while the criminal case against Thomas is set to be heard on December 30, 2024.

Meanwhile, the police had earlier arraigned Thomas on three criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

These charges stem from allegations that she insulted President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as well as high-ranking police officials, including IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

The criminal case, identified under Suit No. F/HE/ARS/CR/636/2024, lists the IGP as the complainant. Following her arraignment, Justice Emeka Nwite remanded Thomas in prison custody, with the next hearing scheduled.

One of the charges against Thomas reads: “That you OLAMIDE ABIODUN THOMAS ‘F’, sometime in 2024, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on your Social media platforms wherein you made remarks in Yoruba language stating that Mr. Seyi Tinubu will die this year, and misfortune and calamity has befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, where such communication places the said Mr. Seyi Tinubu in fear of death, violence or bodily harm and you thereby commit an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 (2) (a) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.”

The second charge states: “That you OLAMIDE ABIODUN THOMAS ‘F’, sometime in 2024, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on your Social media platforms wherein you made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun where such communication places the said Mr. Kayode Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm and you therefore commit an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24(2) (a) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.”

The third charge accuses Thomas of insulting Adejobi.

After the charges were read, Justice Nwite denied Thomas bail, instructing her lawyers to file a formal bail application.

Following the ruling, she was remanded at Suleja prison.

An activist involved in the case confirmed that Justice Nwite had rejected their oral application for bail and instructed that their lawyers file the necessary paperwork before returning to court.

In the meantime, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the ongoing detention of Olamide Thomas, calling for her immediate release.

Gunmen have reportedly attacked the Ezeagu Divisional Police Station in Enugu State, resulting in the deaths of two police officers.

The attack occurred last week, with the assailants allegedly stealing arms and ammunition.

Sources indicate that security agencies have initiated a manhunt for the attackers, and the police have stepped up stop-and-search operations across the state.

“Because of the attack, there is an increase in police stop-and-search operations across the state,” one source revealed.

Sunday Oforegbu, a local resident, confirmed the attack, expressing surprise that it had not been reported by media outlets.

“Yes, the attack took place last week. Two personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were killed during the attack. I am surprised that the incident was not reported by any media platform,” Oforegbu said.

Attempts to reach DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the State Police Public Relations Officer, were unsuccessful as he was unavailable to take calls when this report was being filed.

A businessman, Mr. Obele Ugo, has revealed that he lost three relatives during the deadly stampede that occurred at the Okija headquarters of the Obijackson Foundation, where residents from various communities in Ihiala Local Government Area had gathered over the weekend to collect Christmas rice.

Amid tears, Ugo shared his grief: “I lost three relatives during the stampede. My maternal uncle lost his wife who went for the rice. My two married sisters from Ubahu Agbugba village also lost their lives in the stampede.”

He explained that many families in Okija and surrounding areas had also been affected, noting that the tragedy was unexpected, as the event had been held annually for the past 14 years without incident.

Organizers of the event shared their perspective, lamenting that despite the good intentions of the Obijackson Foundation, the desperation of the crowd contributed to the catastrophe.

One organizer explained: “Announcement was made in all the 30 villages in Okija for people to come over and get their palliatives on Saturday and the people were assured that there were enough palliatives for everyone.”

The event was set to begin at 9am, but by 12 midnight, people were already gathering at the gates.

“By 4am, the entire foundation was a beehive of activities. Old women, men, the sick, and youths already parked themselves at the gate, in order to be the first to collect,” the organizer said.

The chaos escalated when vehicles transporting seats couldn’t get through, leading to a gate malfunction.

As one side of the gate was opened, people forced their way in, causing a stampede.

“In the melee, people were trampled upon. Most of the people who were affected were those who slept over to be the first to carry rice.”

The organizer further added: “One man who came with his family managed to jump in through the fence, but his wife and child couldn’t. These palliatives were meant for adults and youths, but many families came with toddlers.”

The scene became chaotic as people climbed on top of one another, stepping on the aged and weak.

“It was a chaotic scene, and the result was the death of several people,” the organizer lamented.

Following the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the death toll had risen to 22.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga stated:” The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede are receiving treatment and regrettably stated that 22 people lost their lives.”

The stampede, along with similar incidents across the country, has sparked national outrage. Vice President Kashim Shettima condemned the tragedy, calling it a “national tragedy” and offering prayers for the victims and their families.

He further stated, “I am particularly distraught by the fact that so many lives of Nigerians, particularly children, have been lost in stampedes that ought to have been avoided through proper planning and organisation.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also expressed his grief over the loss of lives in the stampedes across Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, offering condolences to the governors of the affected states and the victims’ families.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also expressed regret over the loss of lives in Okija and at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Maitama.

“The deaths at Maitama were particularly poignant for me as I am the Grand Patron of St. Vincent de Paul, the organisation that provides the palliatives,” Uzodimma stated in a condolence message.

Similarly, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, expressed sorrow over the tragic deaths.

He noted, “I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State, commiserate with my brother governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.”

Femi Falana, Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), attributed the stampede to “criminal negligence and poverty,” adding that ASCAB would mobilize lawyers to ensure survivors and families of the victims are properly compensated.

The stampede tragedy also sparked political debate, with former presidential aide Reno Omokri urging former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi not to politicize the tragedy.

Omokri said, “One would have expected Mr. Peter Obi to have condoled with the families and moved on,” instead of seeking political benefit from the deaths.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reiterated that registration for the National Identification Number (NIN) is completely free, following reports of extortion at various enrollment centers across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NIMC clarified that neither the commission nor its accredited Front End Partners (FEPs) are authorized to charge any fees for the NIN registration process.

The commission expressed concern over the complaints and assured the public that it was committed to eradicating such practices.

The statement, signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, emphasized that anyone found guilty of extorting applicants would face severe legal consequences, including the revocation of the FEP’s operating license.

NIMC has also enlisted the support of security agencies to investigate and apprehend offenders.

Nigerians are encouraged to report any instances of extortion through NIMC’s official contact channels, including the email address customercare@nimc.gov.ng or by calling 07002255646.

The commission reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring a smooth and transparent enrollment process for all Nigerians.