metro
Nigerians react to court approval female corpers wearing of skirt
Nigerians react to court approval female corpers wearing of skirt
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC) refusal to permit female corps members to wear skirts in accordance with their religious beliefs as unconstitutional.
In a landmark judgment delivered on June 13, 2025, Justice Hauwa Yilwa held that compelling female participants in the scheme to wear trousers contrary to their sincerely held religious convictions amounts to a breach of their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and relevant human rights instruments.
The case was brought by two former corps members, Ogunjobi Blessing and Ayuba Vivian, who argued that the NYSC’s uniform policy infringed on their Christian faith, which, according to Deuteronomy 22:5, prohibits women from wearing attire traditionally associated with men.
The suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020, were initially filed separately against the NYSC and its Director-General, but were later consolidated due to their shared subject matter.
Relying on Sections 38 and 42 of the Constitution, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the applicants urged the court to declare the NYSC’s policy unconstitutional and discriminatory.
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They also sought compensation and requested the issuance of their certificates of national service, having been denied the opportunity to complete the programme due to their refusal to wear trousers.
In her considered ruling, Justice Yilwa found in their favour, declaring that the NYSC’s uniform policy, when applied rigidly, not only undermines religious freedom but also subjects the claimants to degrading treatment.
“A declaration that the refusal to allow skirts for religious purposes is unconstitutional,” she ruled.
She issued an order mandating the NYSC to recognise and permit the use of skirts for female corps members with genuine religious objections.
She also directed the agency to recall the two affected women and award them their NYSC certificates accordingly.
While the applicants had each sought ₦10 million in damages, the court awarded them ₦500,000 apiece, citing the need to acknowledge the harm suffered without overreaching in monetary redress.
The judgment has already drawn wide public interest, reigniting long-standing debates around the intersection of state policy, religious liberty, and gendered dress codes.
Public Reactions Trail Court Ruling on NYSC Skirt Approval
Peter Owoicho stated, “If a highly intellectual asset like a court judge can no longer think rightly because of a decline in the power of human reasoning, then emotion and religion will become a driving force in judging a case. Ok! Let them wear skirts. The judge should also order corps members to wear robes or turbans. If the type of training they undergo in their various camps will be easier to do with whatever dress they put on, it’s fine now. Na Nigeria we dey!”
Donan Danailu reacted, “Aahhhh skirt gini? How dem go match? Small thing now, we go hear make dem allow female soldiers wear skirt. Abeg, if you no fit wear trousers, no go service.”
Newton Dor asked, “How can they perform paramilitary training with skirts? Or will they be exempted?”
Dinchi Jacob advised, “Any corps member that wants to use skirts should indicate during online registration so that she will be posted to Maiduguri.”
The court’s decision also sets a new precedent for the treatment of faith-based objections within government-administered programmes.
Nigerians react to court approval female corpers wearing of skirt
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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