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June 12: Falana, Falz, CSOs Declare Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity, Hardship

Published

3 months ago

June 11, 2026

MKO Abiola

June 12: Falana, Falz, CSOs Declare Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity, Hardship

A grand coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) , trade unions, youth groups, community associations, and prominent activists has declared June 12, 2026 – Nigeria’s Democracy Day – a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and deteriorating living conditions across the country. The coalition, which includes human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) , popular musician and activist Folarin Falana (Falz) , the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) , the Joint Action Front (JAF) , the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) , the #EndBadGovernance Movement , and several other labour, socialist, and community-based organisations, said Nigerians have little to celebrate as the country marks Democracy Day amid growing poverty, hunger, and insecurity. The coalition stated: “The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance.”

The coalition has cited two major grievances driving the planned nationwide protest: worsening insecurity and deepening economic hardship. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition condemned what it called the alarming impunity by terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers operating across Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and other states. The group expressed solidarity with victims of violent attacks and families of those abducted by criminal gangs, calling for immediate efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians currently being held captive in various parts of the country. The coalition is demanding the immediate release of all Nigerians held captive by criminal groups, stressing that the protection of lives and property must remain the primary responsibility of government. According to the coalition, repeated assurances by government officials that insecurity is being defeated have not translated into improved safety for citizens, as many communities remain vulnerable to attacks, farmers cannot safely access their farmlands, schools continue to face security threats, and major highways remain dangerous for commuters. “This protest is about the lives of our children and teachers in captivity. It is about the collective survival of ordinary Nigerians,” the coalition stated.

Beyond security concerns, the coalition also highlighted the economic difficulties confronting many Nigerians. The statement criticised economic policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, currency devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs. According to the coalition, these measures have led to skyrocketing food prices, unbearable transportation costs, and the collapse of small businesses, despite increased government allocations to federal, state, and local governments. The coalition argued that the removal of fuel subsidy, repeated increases in petrol prices, Naira devaluation, rising electricity tariffs, and the commercialisation of essential services have deepened poverty and hardship among Nigerians. “Food prices have skyrocketed. Transportation costs have become unbearable. Small and medium-scale businesses are collapsing under the combined burden of expensive fuel, unstable electricity and declining purchasing power,” the coalition statement read. The coalition further noted that workers’ earnings have not kept pace with inflation, leaving many households under increasing financial pressure.

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The statement declared emphatically: “Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering.” The coalition called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious organisations, trade unions, and community groups to mobilise for the nationwide demonstration in their various communities, workplaces, campuses, and neighbourhoods. Describing the planned demonstration as a struggle for the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians, the coalition urged civil society organisations and progressive groups to unite in demanding the release of all captives and improved living conditions for citizens. The group maintained that despite repeated assurances from authorities, insecurity remains a major concern in many parts of the country, with schools, farming communities, and major highways continuing to face security threats.

The coalition outlined several key demands that will be presented during the June 12 nationwide protest. These include the immediate release of all Nigerians held captive by criminal groups in Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and other states; concrete government action to tackle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping; disclosure of how trillions of naira allocated to security have been utilised over the last three years; reversal of “anti-poor” economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal and electricity tariff hikes; and policies aimed at reducing food prices, transportation costs, and improving workers’ wages.

The statement was signed by at least 15 leaders, including: Femi Falana (SAN), National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB); Folarin Falana (Falz), musician and activist; Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Organising Committee of the #EndBadGovernance Movement; Yinka Folarin, National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR); Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement; Adaramoye Michael, National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC); Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front (JAF); Abiodun Olamosu, General Secretary of Socialist Labour; Jonathan Ugbal, Lead of the Calabar Group of Socialists; Richard Inoyo, Country Director of Citizens Solution Network; Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement; Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change; and other labour and civil society leaders.

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In Osun State, a coalition of civil society organisations, activists, and trade union groups has declared support for the nationwide protest. The coalition, operating under the banner of the Coalition Against Insecurity and Bad Governance, announced plans to stage a peaceful protest in Osogbo on Friday, June 12, 2026. According to the Osun coalition, the protest will begin at Aiyetoro Junction in Osogbo, with participants expected to assemble by 8:30 a.m. The coalition urged workers, youths, artisans, market men and women, professionals, and other residents of the state to participate in the protest peacefully. The group appealed to security agencies not to obstruct citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression.

The planned protest comes amid growing calls from political figures for the federal government to take more decisive action on security. Atiku Abubakar , presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in security to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively against terrorists and other criminal elements. Atiku expressed concern that terrorists and bandits’ attacks were now targeted not only at wasting precious human lives but also at crippling the country’s education system. He cited the May 15 abduction of about 90 schoolchildren in Oriire, Oyo State, where the principal was beheaded. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also called on President Tinubu to declare a national security emergency, warning that escalating violence, kidnappings, and bandit attacks across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and economic wellbeing. The NEF stated that kidnapping-for-ransom has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise driven by weak law enforcement, porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, and inadequate intelligence coordination among security agencies.

June 12 is observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria, commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. However, the coalition of CSOs argues that there is little to celebrate this year as many citizens continue to grapple with insecurity, poverty, inflation, and declining living standards. The organisers said June 12 was deliberately chosen because of its significance in Nigeria’s democratic history, adding that Democracy Day provides an opportunity for citizens to peacefully express their concerns and demand action on issues affecting their daily lives. The groups behind the mobilisation insist that the protest will be peaceful and conducted within the bounds of the law.

As preparations continue, attention is now focused on how many Nigerians will participate in the demonstration. The development is expected to make this year’s Democracy Day one of the most closely watched in recent years. The coalition has called on citizens across the country to join the mass action, stating: “The time has come for Nigerians to speak with one voice and demand security, dignity and a decent standard of living.” All eyes will be on the federal, state, and local government authorities to see how they respond to the planned action, as well as on the security agencies tasked with maintaining order while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. Key events in this developing story include: on May 15, 2026, about 90 schoolchildren were abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, with the principal beheaded; on June 9-10, 2026, the coalition of CSOs issued a statement declaring June 12 a nationwide protest; on June 12, 2026, the nationwide protest is planned across Nigeria coinciding with Democracy Day, with the Osun State protest scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. at Aiyetoro Junction, Osogbo. Key details to remember: the primary demands include release of captives, improved security, economic relief, and reversal of anti-poor policies; key organisers include Femi Falana (SAN), Falz, CDHR, JAF, YRC, and the #EndBadGovernance Movement; affected states include Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger; political figures including Atiku and the Northern Elders Forum have called for a security emergency declaration; and the government has yet to issue an official statement on the protest. This is a developing story. More details will be provided as information becomes available from protest organisers and government authorities.

June 12: Falana, Falz, CSOs Declare Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity, Hardship

Related Topics:CSOs Falana Falz Featured protest

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Woman dies after husband allegedly assaults her over cooking, dance class

Published

18 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Woman dies after husband allegedly assaults her over cooking, dance class

A 38-year-old woman, Yamini Krishna Lal Yadav, has died in Nagpur, India, after her husband allegedly assaulted her during an argument over cooking and her decision to attend a dance class.

The woman’s husband, Krishna Lal Yadav, 41, has been arrested and booked in connection with her death after a post-mortem examination reportedly revealed serious internal injuries.

The incident occurred in the Mankapur area of Nagpur, Maharashtra, where the couple lived with their two young children.

According to reports, Krishna returned home from work and asked his wife to prepare food for him and the children. Yamini, however, was reportedly preparing to attend a dance class within their housing society and declined to cook at the time.

The disagreement allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Police said the husband was reportedly under the influence of alcohol when he allegedly assaulted Yamini around her neck and abdomen. The incident reportedly occurred in the presence of their children.

After the alleged assault, Yamini complained of severe pain in her neck and abdomen and reportedly asked her husband to get painkillers. He allegedly went to a nearby medical shop but returned after finding it closed.

Her condition later deteriorated, with her abdomen reportedly becoming swollen. She was subsequently taken to a private hospital in the area for treatment but died while receiving medical attention.

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The case initially appeared to be an accidental death, prompting police to send her body for a post-mortem examination.

However, the examination reportedly revealed a fractured neck bone and severe internal injuries, including serious damage to the intestines. Reports also indicated injuries consistent with strangulation and abdominal trauma, prompting investigators to reconsider the circumstances surrounding her death.

Following the post-mortem findings, police questioned Krishna and subsequently arrested him. A murder case was registered against him as investigations continued.

Yamini’s brother reportedly said the family was aware that the couple had experienced disagreements in the past. He said Yamini had occasionally spoken about problems in the marriage but had asked relatives not to intervene because she feared their involvement could worsen the situation.

The family initially believed Yamini had died following a medical emergency and was reportedly shocked when the post-mortem examination revealed evidence of significant physical injuries.

Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Nagpur woman, while the accused remains in custody over the allegations.

The case has renewed concerns about domestic violence, particularly the need for victims experiencing abuse to have access to timely support and protection.

Woman dies after husband allegedly assaults her over cooking, dance class

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NSCIA warns FG against weaponising state institutions in El-Rufai case

Published

18 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede

NSCIA warns FG against weaponising state institutions in El-Rufai case

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs breaks its silence on the former governor’s legal ordeal, citing “serious concerns” over possible sectarian agenda in the multiple prosecutions keeping El-Rufai in the spotlight.

ABUJA – The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has raised the alarm over what it described as “an extraneous involvement of an underlying religious bias” in the ongoing prosecutions of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The Islamic body, which had deliberately stayed out of the controversy until now, said recent developments had forced it to break its silence on the matter. In a statement signed by its Secretary-General and immediate-past Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the NSCIA explained that its earlier restraint was based on its belief that El-Rufai’s prosecution, like those involving other political figures, was a standard judicial process and that the judiciary had the inherent capacity to uphold justice. However, the council said recent developments in the public domain had raised serious concerns that strongly suggested religious considerations might be creeping into a process that should be determined solely by law and evidence.

The NSCIA called on the Federal Government and the Judiciary to ensure that individuals with vested religious interests were strictly prevented from weaponising public institutions or the legal system to pursue what it described as a sectarian agenda against El-Rufai. “Consequently, the Council calls upon the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Judiciary to ensure that individuals with vested religious interests are strictly prevented from weaponizing public institutions or the legal system to execute a sectarian agenda against him,” the statement read. The council stressed that its position was anchored on the Islamic principle of justice and fairness, regardless of political, religious or personal considerations, and clarified that its intervention was not intended to interfere with the judicial process but to emphasise the need for justice to be administered without religious or sectarian considerations. The Islamic body also appealed to the general public to refrain from incendiary comments that could prejudice the fair trial of El-Rufai or exacerbate the security situation in the nation. “Furthermore, the Council appeals to the general public to refrain from incendiary comments that could prejudice the fair trial of Mallam El-Rufai or exacerbate the security situation in our nation,” the statement read.

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The NSCIA‘s intervention comes against the backdrop of a protracted legal battle that has kept El-Rufai in the spotlight since February 2026. The former governor is facing multiple prosecutions by different agencies on charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, breach of national security, and wiretapping. The council’s decision to speak out followed comments by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), who accused El-Rufai of planning killings in Southern Kaduna while he was governor between 2015 and 2023. Musa had described the situation in Kaduna during El-Rufai’s administration as “toxic”, adding that many residents of Southern Kaduna remained unhappy with the former governor over killings recorded in the area.

El-Rufai, through his family, rejected the allegation and demanded that the minister withdraw the claim, with his eldest son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, giving Musa seven days to provide evidence supporting the allegation or publicly retract it. The controversy generated by Musa’s remarks has further widened the debate surrounding El-Rufai’s legal battles, with the NSCIA‘s intervention effectively placing the prosecution within a wider debate over the alleged politicisation and religious manipulation of state institutions. The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has taken a sharply divergent position, backing the Defence Minister’s allegations and demanding an independent investigation into alleged killings and human rights abuses during El-Rufai’s administration, with possible prosecution before the International Criminal Court (ICC). The NSCIA’s intervention, which did not identify any individual or group it accused of pursuing a religious agenda, serves as a significant development in a case that has become a flashpoint for broader debates about judicial independence, political persecution, and religious neutrality in Nigeria’s legal system.

The council concluded its statement by praying for peace, stability and security in Nigeria. “May Almighty Allah grant peace, stability, and security to Nigeria,” it said.

NSCIA warns FG against weaponising state institutions in El-Rufai case

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Bandits abduct Kaduna lawmaker’s brother, kill three KADVS operatives

Published

19 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu

Bandits abduct Kaduna lawmaker’s brother, kill three KADVS operatives

Suspected bandits have abducted the younger brother of a Kaduna State lawmaker and killed three personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) in separate attacks in Kubau Local Government Area of the state.

The incidents, which occurred within hours of each other, have heightened security concerns in Pambegua and surrounding communities, with the attacks taking place along the Zaria-Pambegua axis before the lawmaker’s brother was abducted from his residence.

The KADVS Public Relations Officer, Yunusa Ibrahim, confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Ibrahim identified the abducted victim as Sanusi, the younger brother of Shehu Pambegua, who represents Kubau Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

According to the KADVS spokesman, the suspected attackers arrived at Sanusi’s residence in a Sharon vehicle at about 10pm on Monday and forcibly took him away.

The abduction came after three KADVS personnel were killed earlier in the day while carrying out a routine security operation in the area.

The deceased personnel were identified as Dallami Dantani, the Second-in-Command of KADVS in Kubau, Abdullahi Hamisu and Zakariyya Musa.

Ibrahim said the incident began when the vigilantes attempted to stop a red Volkswagen Golf Salon during a routine check, but the driver allegedly refused to comply.

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The KADVS personnel reportedly pursued the vehicle in their patrol van in an effort to identify the occupants and establish why they were travelling through the area.

The occupants allegedly opened fire during the pursuit, killing Dantani.

The attackers reportedly turned back towards the KADVS office after the initial shooting and opened fire on the personnel there, killing Hamisu and Musa before escaping towards Zaria.

The killings occurred hours before Sanusi was reportedly abducted from his residence, creating renewed anxiety among residents and security personnel in the area.

Reacting to the deaths, the Kaduna State Commander of KADVS, CP Ali Audu (rtd.), condoled with the families of the three personnel and described their deaths as a major loss to the service.

Audu praised the deceased personnel for their courage and commitment to duty, assuring their families that their sacrifices would be remembered.

He also pledged the continued support of the service to the bereaved families.

The KADVS commander disclosed that security surveillance had been intensified in Pambegua and neighbouring communities as efforts continued to locate the abducted victim and identify those responsible for the attacks.

He urged KADVS personnel to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, particularly in communities regarded as vulnerable to bandit attacks and kidnapping.

Audu reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting residents and property across Kaduna State.

As of the latest reports, authorities have not announced the arrest of any suspect or the rescue of Sanusi. The circumstances surrounding his abduction remain under investigation as security agencies intensify efforts to locate him and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.

The latest incidents have further underscored the security challenges facing parts of Kaduna State, where residents have continued to contend with threats linked to banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks.