IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for an urgent review of existing laws to tackle emerging human rights concerns arising from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

Speaking at a workshop on AI governance and human rights, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, warned that without robust ethical frameworks, AI could widen inequalities, introduce algorithmic bias, invade privacy, and threaten human rights.

AI as a Double-Edged Sword

Ojukwu emphasized that while AI is reshaping societies, economies, and human interactions, its regulation must ensure that technological progress does not outpace human rights protections.

“As AI becomes more sophisticated, human oversight remains crucial. Our laws must evolve to balance innovation with ethical principles,” he said.

He called on policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and civil society groups to collaborate in ensuring AI promotes human dignity rather than undermines it.

Need for Legal and Ethical Frameworks

The President of the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (IN-CRS), Eustace Onuegbu, noted that AI’s rapid expansion in Africa brings both opportunities and challenges that require urgent legal and ethical considerations.

Similarly, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, representing the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, stressed the need for Nigeria to balance AI’s benefits with strong human rights safeguards. 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, has intercepted $578,000 in undeclared cash from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa.

Customs Area Controller John Harrison revealed this on Friday, identifying the suspect as Okorie Sunday, who arrived on March 19, 2025, and attempted to smuggle the cash hidden on his body.

Violation of Financial Regulations

Harrison explained that the passenger declared only $279,000 but concealed an additional $299,000, violating Nigeria’s $10,000 cash declaration limit. He also had £100 and a counterfeit $250.

The seized cash was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. EFCC’s acting Zonal Director, Ahmed Ghali, warned that failing to declare large sums of cash raises money laundering concerns and urged travelers to comply with financial regulations. 

The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been sued at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja over the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.

Legal Challenge Against Emergency Rule

In a suit filed on March 20, 2025 (ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25), the applicants are seeking a court order to nullify the suspension of elected officials and the removal of democratic structures in Rivers State.

The plaintiffs, Harry Ibiso and 11 others, along with the Eastern Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council, also demand the cancellation of all decisions, policies, and directives issued by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who was appointed by President Tinubu on March 18.

Claim: Tinubu Lacked Authority to Remove Elected Officials

The applicants argue that President Tinubu, as an elected official, lacks the constitutional authority to remove or suspend a state governor, who was also democratically elected.

They claim the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly violated their fundamental rights and those of the state’s residents.

“The action has stripped the people of Rivers State of their democratic rights and human dignity, effectively disenfranchising them,” the applicants stated.

They further argued that a state of emergency should not serve as a pretext for executive overreach, allowing the usurpation of a governor’s powers or the legislative authority of the state assembly.

Court Yet to Fix Hearing Date

The case, backed by constitutional lawyer Festus Ogwuche, is yet to be scheduled for a hearing.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State was ratified by the National Assembly on Thursday, despite opposition protests. Vice Admiral Ibas has since assumed office as the state’s sole administrator. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling, asserting that it affirms Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye as the party’s substantive National Secretary.

Supreme Court Upholds Party Supremacy

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party maintained that the verdict reinforces party autonomy, declaring that leadership matters within the PDP are internal affairs beyond judicial interference.

“The judgment settles Udeh-Okoye’s emergence as National Secretary, having been duly nominated, endorsed, and ratified through PDP’s internal mechanisms,” the statement read.

Court Nullifies Rulings Against Anyanwu’s Removal

The dispute arose after Senator Samuel Anyanwu was nominated as the PDP’s Imo State governorship candidate in 2023, prompting the party to replace him as National Secretary. The Supreme Court on Friday nullified lower court rulings that removed Anyanwu, ruling that the Enugu High Court and Court of Appeal overstepped their jurisdiction.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that political parties must govern their affairs unless they violate their constitution or principles of justice. The court also ruled that Aniagu Emmanuel, who filed the case, lacked the legal standing to challenge PDP’s decision.

Judgment Sparks Party Debate

While the PDP hailed the ruling as a victory for party supremacy and democracy, the judgment has fueled internal debate, with factions interpreting it differently to suit their interests. 

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has confirmed the release of the withheld local government allocations.

Commitment to Salaries and Accountability

Speaking during a meeting with local government administrators in Port Harcourt, Ibas assured that steps would be taken to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries, acknowledging their financial struggles.

He also emphasized the need for financial accountability, stating that he would closely monitor the management of public funds.

Security and Local Governance

On security, Ibas urged traditional rulers and security agencies to collaborate in ensuring safety across the state.

“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he told local government administrators.

NULGE Commends Appointment

Clifford Paul, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, praised the federal government’s decision to appoint Ibas, citing his competence.

He urged the administrator to prioritize workers' welfare, noting that local government employees were owed two months’ salaries. 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has stressed the importance of technology in tackling corruption and enhancing service delivery in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

ICPC Calls for Stronger Digital Security

Speaking at a nationwide sensitization campaign in Abuja, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by Demola Bakare, highlighted concerns over recruitment fraud, passport processing irregularities, and border operation misconduct.

Aliyu urged:

Enhanced cybersecurity for recruitment portals.

Strict enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Restructured Performance Management System (PMS).

Fixed administrative costs on passport applications to curb illegal fees.

While the NIS improved from non-compliance in 2023 to partial compliance in 2024 in the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS), Aliyu called for further reforms, including whistleblower protections and stricter penalties for corruption.

NIS Pledges Transparency and Efficiency

NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to digitization and corruption-free operations.

She outlined key anti-corruption innovations, including:

Automated passport processing.

Contactless application systems.

E-Gates, body cameras, and E-Visas.

Nandap emphasized that transparency and efficiency are vital for restoring public trust and attracting investment, stating that expanding digital reforms will enhance service delivery and eliminate corruption.

The sensitization campaign is part of broader efforts to promote accountability and ethical governance within the NIS.