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Civil Society Petitions Chinese Company Over Alledged Dehumanisation Of Workers
Mariam Sanni, Abuja
The PAN African Youth Development Network has petitioned the management of BN ceramics Nigeria Limited, Kogi over an alleged injustice and lot of irregularities perpetrated by the company on Nigeria youths whom they engaged as factory workers. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In the petition written to the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, signed by the Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq. Principal Partner and titled, “Petition against BN Ceramics Nigeria limited and others over act of criminal conspiracy, gross ineptitude, devaluation and violation of human rights, threat to life, attempted murder and shooting of Mr. Oloye Elega and other acts of molestation of workers and staffs of the company in contravention of factory act 2004 FGN.
The petition dated 24th, January, 2021, read thus, ‘With sublime respect, we are Solicitors to PAN African united Youth Development Network represented by Amb. ,Habib Muhammad, Nigerian Youth Coalition represented by Bar. Aare Oladotun Hassan, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide represented by Sola Olumola, and All Concerned and Affected Staffs of BN Ceramic Nigeria Limited hereinafter referred to as “Our Clients/Victims, on whose behalf we seek you’re urgent due diligent investigation and prosecution of the above captioned matter respectively.
”Based on this premise, the fact of the matter is bordering on continuous criminal actions of slavery and multiple injustices meted on the helpless Nigerian youths by the management of BN Ceramic Limited perpetrated by Mr. Saliu Mohammed, Human Resource Manager, wherein for many years the culprits subjected innocent female youths to sexual harassment, recent shooting of Oloye Elega, a cleaner, threatening violence and attack our clients respectively.
”Hence, we are aghast to report this serial act of threats against workers, for lots of workers have been subjected to gross human rights violations under hash circumstances, but if nothing meaningful is done, this threat is capable of reality and eventual evil consequences to our clients, precipitating our urgent appeal for a due diligent investigation of the culprits.
”Our clients are civil and law abiding citizens, with no traces of criminality or taints. We shall await your accelerated approval of our petition for onward investigation accordingly.
Earlier, The President of PAN African Youth Development Network Ambassador Habib Muhammad has called on the Federal Government to look into the alleged slavery and injustice meted on Nigerian youths by the management of BN ceramics Nigeria Limited.
Muhammad made the call when he led other members of the organisation to BN Ceramics Company owned by Chinese investors based in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
While addressing the management of the company after the team toured the production site, Muhammed explained that the visit was borne out of series of complaints received from the workers of the factory.
He lamented that after the tour of BN ceramics factory, the group observed a lot of irregularities perpetrated by the management of the company on Nigeria youth whom they engaged as factory workers.
The youth leader who was visibly furious stated that the organization cannot sit down and allow Nigerian youths to be used as slaves in their own country.
He particularly blamed the Human Resource Manager of the company, Salihu Mohammed for conniving with the Chinese to suffer Nigeria youths through arbitrary deduction of their salaries, poor remuneration and hazardous working environment among other.
The President of coalition of youth organizations in Nigeria, Barrister Oladotun Hassan who led the team that visited the company stated that the workers of BN Ceramics Nigeria limited have complaint of gross ineptitude, devaluation and violation of human rights in violation of the labor law, stressing that the tour to the factory revealed that staff complaints are genuine.
He alleged that the company has violated the factory Act 2004 of the federal republic of Nigeria in relation to health, safety, hazard and precautionary measures, expressing displeasure over dehumanisation prolonged working hours and working without appointment letters as complained by the employees of BN Ceramics Limited.
The youth leader also disclosed that a legal action will be taking over the shooting of one Oloye Elega, a cleaner in the company who was paid a paltry sum of money as compensation.
He also called on the Minister of labour, Dr Chris Ngige to act swiftly with a view to end such anomalies, appealing to the minister to use his good office to prevent foreigners that are dehumanizing Nigerian youths under the pretense of creating jobs for Nigerians.
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products.
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GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Borde
By Usman Aliyu | June 27, 2026
Ajaka, Kogi State — The family of Sgt. Benjamin Etuh, a native of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts following reports that he may have been involved in a drowning incident at the Seme Border area of Lagos State.
According to information available to the family, Sgt. Etuh, who was last known to be serving at the Seme Border Patrol, was reportedly involved in an incident on the water around the border community. However, relatives say they have not received any official confirmation regarding his condition or whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has left family members distressed and searching for answers. Efforts to contact the officer through his mobile phone numbers have also proved unsuccessful, as the lines have reportedly remained unreachable for several days.
Family sources expressed concern over the lack of verified information and appealed to the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the officer’s status. They also called on security agencies, colleagues, residents of the Seme Border area, and members of the public with any useful information to come forward.
Efforts by reporters to obtain official confirmation from the Ikeja Command were unsuccessful, as no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement confirming Sgt. Benjamin Etuh’s whereabouts or condition. The family continues to appeal for credible information that may help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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