A federal judge on Wednesday blocked Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States, US in a blow to the president’s bid to end a right enshrined in the Constitution for more than a century.

The ruling indefinitely bans enforcement of one of Trump’s most controversial executive orders, which was due to come into effect nationwide on February 19.

“The denial of the precious right to citizenship will cause irreparable harm,” District Judge Deborah Boardman was reported as saying during the hearing at a Maryland court. 

She noted that Supreme Court precedent protects birthright citizenship, adding that Trump’s order “conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment,” the Washington Post reported.

“No court in the country has ever endorsed the president’s interpretation,” she said. “This court will not be the first.”

The injunction adds to a 14-day stay on enforcement of Trump’s executive order issued in January by a federal judge in Washington state.

There, US District Judge John Coughenour condemned the order as “blatantly unconstitutional,” though Trump quickly told reporters he planned to appeal the ruling.

Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the US Constitution under the 14th Amendment which decrees that anyone born on US soil is a citizen.

Trump’s order was premised on the idea that anyone in the United States illegally, or on a visa, was not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the country, and therefore excluded from this category.

His opponents have argued that the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 as the United States sought to recover from the Civil War, has been settled law for over a century.

They have cited an 1898 US Supreme Court ruling in the case of a Chinese-American man named Wong Kim Ark, who was denied reentry to the United States on the grounds that he was not a citizen.

The court affirmed that children born in the United States, including those born to immigrants, could not be denied citizenship

Argentina said Wednesday it will quit the World Health Organization, following in the footsteps of Donald Trump’s United States and citing similar complaints over the UN body’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Railing against the economic fallout of Covid-19 lockdowns, President Javier Milei lamented “one of the most bizarre crimes against humanity” as he explained the reasons for the move.

Argentina’s self-declared “anarcho-capitalist” leader said the WHO had been “the executing arm of what was the greatest experiment in social control in history.”

The South American country announced its withdrawal from the UN health agency two weeks after Trump, an ideological ally and hero of Milei, signaled Washington’s planned exit.

Milei’s decision was based on “deep differences regarding health management especially during the pandemic,” spokesman Manuel Adorni told reporters earlier, adding Argentina would not “allow an international body to interfere in our sovereignty.”

Argentina had been hard hit by the pandemic, with about 130,000 deaths, and Milei’s predecessor Alberto Fernandez imposed a five-month lockdown in 2020 widely perceived as crippling for a struggling economy.

Adorni insisted withdrawing from the WHO gave Argentina “greater flexibility to implement policies adapted to the context” locally, while ensuring “greater availability of resources.”

The WHO did not immediately comment on Argentina’s departure.

WHO data shows Argentina contributed about $8.75 million in membership fees to the organization across 2022 and 2023 — 0.11 percent of the total budget.

It was slated to contribute $8.25 million for 2024-2025.

The vast majority of the UN agency’s budget comes from voluntary contributions, however, and Argentina has made none in recent years.

Adorni said Argentina “does not receive funding from the WHO, so this measure does not represent a loss of funds for the country.”

He also accused the body of “a lack of independence.”

– ‘Endless quarantines’ –

Last year, Argentina refused to join a new pandemic protocol drawn up by the WHO and gave notice of its intention to withdraw from the agency altogether.

International relations expert Federico Merke, of the University of San Andres in Buenos Aires, said the move would leave Argentina isolated when it comes to information-sharing and cooperation in the case of a new pandemic or other health threat.

Milei is an avowed fan of Trump, who signed an order within hours of his January 20 inauguration for the United States to withdraw from the WHO, which he has also criticized for its pandemic handling.

Washington was the biggest contributor to the Geneva-based organization, which Trump claimed had “ripped us off,” and the US withdrawal leaves global health initiatives short of funding.

Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has gutted public spending, having vowed to maintain a zero budget deficit after years of overspending.

His austerity measures are estimated to have tipped millions more people into poverty, but the country last year recorded its first budget surplus since 2010 while inflation fell by nearly half.

Milei was the first foreign leader to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate after the Republican’s November US election victory.

His decision also casts new doubt on Argentina’s future adherence to the 2015 Paris climate change agreement, under which countries committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions to keep global average temperature rise below a critical threshold.

Withdrawing the United States from the Paris pact was another of Trump’s first moves after taking office.

Milei’s Argentina, pushing for a free trade deal with the United States, has previously said it was “reevaluating” its strategy “on all climate change-related issues.”

Police in Akwa Ibom state have arrested 13 year old Samuel Sunday for carrying about his father’s gun, threatening to shooting fellow pupils at the St Paul Primary School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket Local Government Area (LGA).

Commissioner of Police (CP), Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, who disclosed this Wednesday in Uyo, said the teenage suspect’s father has also been arrested. 

CP Azare was briefing on his Command’s operations report in last one week which, he said, witnessed arrest of suspected criminals for various offences recoveries, and ongoing investigations.

He said, “On 30/01/2025 at about 0800hrs, the Command’s received information that on 28/01/2025 one Samuel Sunday “m”, 13 year old pupil of St. Paul primary school Ikot Ibiok was going armed (with gun) in the school, threatening to fire at fellow pupils.

“The Command swung into action, arrested the suspect and recovered a locally made pistol. The suspect confessed he has been with the said gun since November 2024, that he got it from a wardrobe in his father’s bedroom. The father was later arrested. Investigation is still ongoing.”

In further recoveries, the Command over last week also “arrested one Abasifreke Udo Thomas ‘m’ Aka Udo Orlando or Olamide of Ikot Ibiom village who shot one lady (name withheld) sometimes in December 2024.

“He was seen in a hotel. Operatives of the Command immediately arrested the suspect and a locally made pistol was recovered from him. Investigation is still ongoing.

“On 30/ 01/2025 at about 1307hrs, our Operatives arrested Uyobong Ekong Edet ‘m’ aged 24yrs, Israel Daniel Bassey ’m’ aged 19yrs, Nsikak Asuquo Okon ‘m’ aged 18yrs for attempted murder, cultism and unlawful possession of firearm.

“Items recovered include one locally made pistol, three live cartridges. 

Fire outbreak at an Islamic school in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, claimed the lives of at least 17 Almajiri students.

The fire which started late on Tuesday night and raged for about three hours, also left 16 others injured. 

The fire reportedly started fire started when the children were asleep. 

Abdulrasaq Bello Kaura, a resident of the area who spoke to Channels TV on the incident said the fire was caused by some stored sticks locally called kara.

“It happened at Makaranta Mallam Ghali, inside their study hall. There are about 100 of them in the house, after they evacuated the students, they thought none of them remained inside the house, it was when they returned after the fire, they started seeing their legs, hands, they got burnt beyond recognition,” Kaura said. 

The source added that the 17 students were buried on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. 

The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Comrade Mannir Muazu Haidara, has also confirmed the incident

The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, in Ogun State, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi was on Tuesday remanded at the Ilaro Correctional centre, Ogun State after failing to perfect the bail condition granted him by a Magistrate Court, sitting in Ifo.

The spokesman of Correctional Centres in the state, Yinka Odukoya confirmed this to our Correspondent on Tuesday. 

Odukoya said, “he is in our custody and this definitely means that he was unable to perfect the bail conditions as granted by the court yesterday, but as soon as he is able to do that, he will be allowed to go”.

The Ogun State Police Command had on Tuesday arraigned the suspended monarch over a viral video where he was seen assaulting a 73 year old man, Abraham Areola.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector O. Awoleke in a charge sheet with number MH2b8c/2025 Commissioner of Police vs Abdul-Semiu, said the accused person was arraigned on a three count charge of conspiracy; assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The charge reads thus, “That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large on the 21st of January,2025 at about 1100hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District did conspire together to commit misdemeanor to wit: Assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace and thereby committed and offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code of Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria,2006.

“That you Abdul Semiu ‘m’ and others now at large on the same date ,time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapped him on his face and ear and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State of Nigeria,2006.

“That you Abdul Semiu ‘m’ and others at large on the same date, time and place in tbe aforementioned Magisterial District did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by forcing one Areola Abraham ‘m’ to kneel down and assaulted him in the public and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria,2006.”

The accused person who appeared before Magistrate F.A Iroko, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

The Magistrate granted the accused person a bail of N5m, with two sureties in like sum, who must be residents within the court jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of the Civil Society Organization’s (CSOs) in the State, commended the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration swift action of suspending Ogunjobi for a period of six months.

The CSOs in a statement issued in Abeokuta,and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, urged that the matter should not be allowed to die at the preliminary stage in the interest of the life of the victim.

Bankole in the statement expressed disgust with the role played by Oba Ogunjobi wherein the monarch superintended over the public humiliation meted out on the fragile-looking elderly man, whom he forced to prostrate for him on the highway, in addition to several physical assault he received in the hands of the palace aides.

“It beats our imagination to behold the disturbing video of the humiliation carried out on the personality of that 74-years old Chief Areola, by a supposed custodian of the Yoruba cultural beliefs and norms”.

“As a Yoruba man to start with, it is not in our culture; it is against our tradition and values to have children physically assaulting the elders, talk less of having a traditional ruler supervising such public humiliation of someone old enough to be his father.

“I have watched and listened to that video which has now gone viral and I must say that it was too horrible and unacceptable in our society.

“Watching that 73-year-old man helplessly on his kneels, facing a downpour of curses and absorbing a hot slap by a palace slave was a gory sight and a nightmare.

“Chief Areola was indeed, caught at the wrong side of the monarch’s law and so, he was dragged to the floor and dehumanised before the world.

“Ogun CSOs are seriously in support of the steps so far taken by the state government by suspending the power-drunk monarch, the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdul-Semiu Ogunjobi who publicly humiliated the septuagenarian, Chief Areola”.

Similarly, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the State, has also commended the State government and the State Police Command on the steps taken so far to ensure justice for the victim of Orile Ifo assault.

The PCRC called on the Police to arrest the person that slapped the victim as well.

The State PCRC chairman, Ven (Dr) Samson Kunle Popoola, assured the public of its unbiased stance on issues that affect the fundamental human rights of the people of the State

One of Nollywood’s rising stars, Patience Ugwu also known as Pat Ugwu, has died at the age of 35.

Although the cause of her death was not immediately clear, her colleagues announced her departure on Wednesday morning.

Actor Emeka Okoye wrote on Instagram: “Rest in peace sis. Pat Ugwu. @patpat_ugwu so we no get to work again? Death whyooo? God please. Rest in peace PAT. May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lo

rd.”

Also, actor Kevin Mike wrote: “Chai, just woke up this morning to hear the death of one of our crew and casts @patpat_ugwu. Rest in peace dear.”

Pat was a native of Umuogbu Itchi in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

She lost her father, Evaristus Ugwu, in September 2021. Announcing his death in an Instagram post on September 11, 2021, Pat wrote: “My biggest nightmare was losing my father. I lost my dad. Right now am in such pain that no one can feel. Dad u went away. God eased ur pain and broke my heart.”

Pat’s father died aged 76. He was buried in November 2021.

In 2022, six months after burying her father, Pat relieved key moments during the funeral on Instagram.

“It’s Hard to believe six months has already passed dad. How are you doing dad? It’s been six months already,” the actress wrote on May 13, 2022.

“I wanted to make sure you knew that you’re in my thoughts and in my heart every day I think of you often. I’m wishing you peace and strength dad. Keep resting I miss you.”

'

Three years and four months after her father’s death, Pat will be buried on Friday, February 7, 2025, after a wake on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at her father’s compound.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has slammed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accusing him of “serious amnesia” over his denial of past comments allegedly made against President Bola Tinubu.

Ribadu had, through his lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), demanded a public apology and retraction from a Peoples Democratic Party’s chieftain,  Naja’atu Muhammad,  who claimed in a viral TikTok video that Ribadu had once labelled Tinubu as corrupt during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

In a strongly worded letter, Ribadu refuted the allegations, insisting he never made such statements, either publicly or privately, and described the damage from the video as “unquantifiable.”

“Clearly, in the text of your recording, you stated that when our client served as the Chairman of the EFCC, he allegedly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Sen. George Akume and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, as governors who stole the most from the public treasury,” the letter read.

Backing Muhammad’s claims, El-Rufai in a rebuttal post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, accused Ribadu of selective memory.

“Nuhu must have serious amnesia. The record of proceedings in the Senate will confirm that Nuhu made those statements sometime in 2006. A Daily Trust report from February 2007 reconfirms the essence of the statements,” El-Rufai posted.

He further referenced the Federal Executive Council conclusions from 2006, suggesting they contain evidence of Ribadu’s allegations against Tinubu and others.

“In that Special FEC meeting, which I was a member of, Nuhu’s EFCC made similar presentations accusing many sitting officials at the time. These Council conclusions can be subpoenaed from the Cabinet Secretariat of the SGF’s office to remove all doubts.

“This is for the record and to remind the morally flexible that at some point in our national life, silence is no longer golden,” he added.

Tragedy struck in the Ukubie community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Monday when a woman, identified as Madam Stella, drowned her six-year-old daughter, Rachael, in a fit of rage.

The incident, which has left residents in shock, reportedly occurred after Rachael defied her mother’s repeated warnings against bathing in the river.

Eyewitnesses said the little girl had gone to the waterfront when her mother found her and ordered her to leave, but she refused.

“Despite warnings to leave the water, Rachael refused, prompting her mother to become enraged,” an eyewitness recounted.

In a moment of fury, Stella allegedly held her daughter’s hands and threw her into the river twice, leading to the child’s death.

When confronted by distraught community members, Stella confessed to the act, claiming she did not anticipate that it would result in her daughter’s death.

“I regret my actions. I never knew it would happen this way,” she pleaded, seeking forgiveness from the community.

A family member, Jeph Nation, expressed his devastation over the incident, saying, “I have recorded two deaths already in my paternal family at Ukubie this year. All were painful and heart-touching, but this one was so pathetic.”

Videos circulating on social media show Stella surrounded by a crowd, confessing in the Ijaw language. Another video captures her sitting in a boat beside her daughter’s lifeless body as it is transported away.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, said the matter had not been officially reported to the police.

“The matter has not been formally reported to the police,” Mohammed stated.

 In Nigeria, an unacknowledged crisis is escalating, as young persons, especially girls, are being lured into a dangerous underground organ trade.

Snared by promises of money or medical treatment, these teenagers unknowingly have their ovaries harvested and sold.

Often from poor backgrounds, they are targeted by criminals posing as doctors or trusted figures who offer false hope, promising a better life but behind these lies is a horrific market exploiting their fertility. This illegal practice thrives in the shadows of Nigeria’s healthcare system, and although many are unaware, doctors and human rights activists are speaking out.

The trade, which preys on vulnerable girls, is now under scrutiny as more people demand action against the abuse and trafficking of human organs. The exploitation of minors for reproductive materials is a chilling violation of rights that urgently needs attention.

Organ harvesting spree

Organ harvesting involves illegally removing body parts, often for commercial gain, without the victim’s express consent. Under modern slavery laws, a victim cannot consent to exploitation. A recent case highlights this disturbing practice.

In 2022, two teenagers had their ovaries harvested without consent by a doctor at a private hospital (names withheld) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A lady acted as the intermediary between the doctor and the girls. The case was reported but soon ignored. It was transferred from a police station in Lagos to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, in Yaba, where it was abandoned after the investigating officer was transferred.

The teenagers, allegedly convinced by an adult church member, went to the hospital where their organs were harvested and later sold for N100,000 each.

The situation came to light when one of the girls fell ill. Her father, thinking it was malaria, took her to a hospital. Tests revealed severe damage to her private parts and anus. She later disclosed that a female church member trafficked them to Ogun State where their organs were sold.

The girls claimed they were promised money and threatened with death if they told anyone. They were injected with drugs in the said hospital in Abeokuta and forced to undergo a procedure, resulting in severe pain and bleeding. Further medical tests in Lagos revealed extensive damage to their organs, including their liver, uterus, kidneys, and bladder.

Aggrieved father opens up

When contacted, the father of one of the teenagers who claimed to be a bishop, told Vanguard that his daughter’s illness became apparent when her younger siblings noticed she was frequently using the toilet with medical equipment and emerging with blood.

He said the primary suspect, the go-between, stayed with her mother-in-law in the church compound and attended church vigils.

The other teenager, simply identified as Favour, lived with the bishop and worked as his secretary, earning N20,000 a month as salary. His daughter, Precious, a hair stylist, also worked for the go-between, styling her hair for payment.

The bishop, disturbed by the situation, reported the case at Iyana-Ipaja police station, and it was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Bureau, SCIID, in Panti, Yaba, Lagos. However, the case took a turn when the bishop’s lawyer, Barrister Ikechukwu Chiaha, suspected compromise on the part of the investigators. The investigator allegedly demanded a bribe of N300,000, with N200,000 going to the police.

Consequently, the case was transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, which has launched a fresh investigation.

In response, the go-between or intermediary, claimed the two girls volunteered to donate their eggs after overhearing a phone conversation between her and the doctor, adding that they were paid N100,000, with Favour giving her N20,000 for the introduction.

State govt intervenes

In June 2023, the Lagos State government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, directed the state police command to investigate the case. Unfortunately, there was no result at the end.

Victim narrates ordeal

The victim, Temitope, said she had planned for a better and pious life all along, but almost became a victim of something she thought was just a movie. Temitope, in her early 20s, recalled how she almost fell victim to egg donation without realizing the dangers.

She was introduced to a woman, named Madam Queen, who acted as an intermediary for a fertility centre.

She explained: “My friend told me to come online. We would usually discuss things there. She said she had something important to tell me. At the time, I wasn’t working and was preparing for our school convocation.

“She asked if I still needed money, and I said yes. Then she told me about egg donation. I had no idea what it was, and she said I could join a group that would pay me N150,000, N20,000 for transport, and N50,000 for the donation.

“She told me to go on the first day of my period, and after 10 days, I would get injections. But I started hesitating. I did an online search on it because I was confused. Later, my friend gave me Madam Queen’s contact. We started chatting, and she explained the whole process.

“She said they would inject and give me medication, and that by day 10, my body and ovaries would be ready for donation.

“I was also given an ultimatum. She said I would have to pay N20,000 to proceed, or if I didn’t have the money, she would arrange for a man to sleep with me.

“I jokingly told him I needed money and was considering being an egg donor. He immediately started talking sense into me. He queried: ‘what if, after doing this, you can’t have children in the future? And what if they damage your womb or remove your kidney?’”

Temitope took his advice and decided not to proceed, but the situation didn’t end there:

She continued: “A week later, the woman changed her number but kept texting me, asking when I was coming. I told her I hadn’t seen my period yet, and she kept pushing. Eventually, she blocked me.”

Temitope’s friend also tried to go through with the process but stopped when the travel expenses became too much.

“I don’t know what to make of it. I want to understand egg donation — not because I want to do it, but to know why they target young people like us. If I hadn’t had a dream about it, I might have gone through with it. The dream showed me what could happen, and that’s why I stopped. I want to know more about egg donation. If it’s dangerous, something needs to be done to stop it.”

An attempt was made to contact Madam Queen, but the phone number was no longer in service, and efforts to reach the fertility centre were unsuccessful.

Lawyers weigh in

Legal authorities are beginning to address the issue of organ trafficking in Nigeria, which continues to thrive, despite clear laws prohibiting the practice.

Experts argue that addressing this issue require not only stricter laws but also better education, healthcare, and economic support for vulnerable populations.

Oliver Gift Chukkol, an Abuja-based lawyer, highlights the legal frameworks protecting individuals from organ trafficking and illegal harvesting.

According to Chukkol, key laws include the 1999 Constitution, the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.

These laws provide protection for citizens’ dignity and lives, including minors, and prohibit trafficking for exploitation, including organ removal.

The National Health Act, 2014, specifically governs organ removal. It states that tissue, blood, or body fluids can only be removed from a living person with their informed consent, except in emergencies. The Act also prohibits organ removal from anyone under 18, except for medical purposes, and bans the sale or trade of organs.

Organ removal for transplantation can only occur in authorized hospitals, with written approval from medical practitioners.

Additionally, the Child Rights Act emphasizes that a child’s best interests must be considered in medical procedures, and parental consent is required for organ removal.

The Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria further provides that when a patient is under-age, unconscious, or mentally impaired, consent from a next-of-kin is necessary. In the absence of a next-of-kin, a senior doctor or court order may be required.

These laws aim to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from organ trafficking and illegal harvesting.

However, enforcement remains a challenge due to corruption and lack of resources.

How Nigerian law classifies, punishes perpetrators

Chukkol said: “The punishment for illegal organ trade or trafficking includes payment of fines of varying amounts, ranging from N250,000 to N5,000,000 and even $100,000. Another punishment is imprisonment or both imprisonment and fine.

“How effective is the law enforcement in Nigeria in tackling illegal organ harvesting, especially in cases involving teenagers? Well, relevant law enforcement agencies that are responsible for tackling criminal activities, including illegal organ harvesting, especially in cases involving teenagers, are the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP.

“These agencies have been doing their best and a number of people, including doctors and medical staff, have been arrested and accused of crimes related to organ harvesting.

“In 2018, people believed to be victims of organ trafficking were found in a mass grave in Anambra State. An investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, revealed a private hospital in Ibadan was engaged in illicit kidney transplants. In 2020, a man was arrested in Lagos State for allegedly luring individuals with promises of employment opportunities, only to abduct and forcibly remove their organs.

“The above instances go to show that the security agencies are trying. This is, however, without prejudice to the realities of Nigerian society that tend to have bad eggs in every organization that compromise the principles of their respective agencies.”

Recent specific cases in Nigeria

“There are quite a number of recent illegal harvesting cases. Sometime in March 2024, NAPTIP arraigned a 51-year-old prominent Abuja–based medical practitioner and three others before a high court of the FCT sitting in Zuba, for an alleged organ (kidney) harvest.

“The matter is still in court. Sometime in 2023, the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was convicted in UK, alongside his wife and a doctor for conspiring to harvest the kidney of a young Nigerian in the UK .

“The victim, 21, was said to have been told he could earn up to £7,000 for his family. However, he was allegedly not informed that his kidney would be harvested. The defendants were sentenced to prison terms.

“In August 2023, Dr. Noah Kekere was arrested by the Plateau State Police Command after a businessman, named Kamal, accused him of illegally harvesting his wife’s kidneys and causing her chronic pain for five years.
Kehinde, who was operated on by Noah in 2018, continued to suffer from stomach pains after the surgery.

“In September 2023, a 12-year-old boy, named Adebola Akin-Bright, died after his small intestine reportedly went missing during a corrective surgery at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.”

International conventions or treaties

“Yes, Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, UNTOC, and has ratified the three protocols that supplement the UNTOC.

“How does Nigerian law address the issue of parental or guardian consent for medical procedures like organ removal for minors?

“As stated earlier, the Child Rights Act requires the consent of a child to be granted by parents or guardian. This is normally done in writing. The law makes it an offence to remove the organs of a child without the parent’s or guardian’s consent.”

Sec-Gen, IFFS, Prof. Ashiru reacts

Organ harvesting in Nigeria, like in many parts of the world, is a controversial issue fraught with ethical, legal, and medical implications.

While organ transplantation has become a life-saving procedure globally, the illegal trade of organs is a growing concern in Nigeria, where poverty, lack of regulation, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure sometimes drive individuals to exploit the vulnerable for illicit organ trade.

Speaking on health risks related to organ harvesting, Secretary-General, International Federation of Fertility Societies, IFFS, Professor Oladapo A Ashiru, who is also the President, African Reproductive Care Society, ARCS, and Chairman, Medical Art Center, said organ donation and transplantation involve health risks, especially when conducted by unqualified professionals.

He said the removal of organs, such as kidneys or livers, could have serious complications if not done properly.

Prof Asiru said: “Blood donation, however, carries minimal risk, as the body quickly replenishes the small amount taken. In contrast, gamete cell donation (egg or sperm donation) presents different risks. ‘’Sperm donation is virtually risk-free, while egg donation, though minimally invasive, carries some risk, typically associated with the procedure of egg retrieval under sedation. Egg donation is generally reserved for individuals 21 or older.

‘’To prevent unethical practices, state governments should register and monitor clinics performing organ or cell donations. Professional bodies, such as the Association for Reproductive Health and Fertility in Nigeria, AFRH, collect procedural data, while guidelines ensure ethical standards are followed. ‘’Informed consent is crucial; individuals must receive counseling about the risks and benefits before donating and provide consent only after full understanding.

Medical laws for regulation

“The laws in Nigeria regulating organ donation, gamete donation, and assisted reproductive technology, including surrogacy, have passed the second reading in the Senate. Additionally, there is another effort underway in the House of Assembly.

‘’Various professional bodies, including AFRH, have provided input on these laws. Once enacted, these laws are expected to address and resolve most of the challenges and unethical practices associated with these procedures.

‘’What ethical obligations do healthcare professionals have in reporting or addressing cases of suspected illegal or unethical organ and egg donations? It is the responsibility of every practitioner to report and bring to the attention of recognized authorities any malpractice, illegal, or unethical donations they become aware of.”

Findings

In November 2024, there was a report about a devastating trend involving series of corpses with missing body parts in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

It raised concerns among residents of the state, suggesting that organ harvesters were lurking around the city.

A female corpse was found on a refuse dump around Lorapuu Adai Street at Nyiman Hudco Quarters of Makurdi metropolis. The woman, whose identity remained unknown, was wrapped in hotel bed-sheets, her legs tied and body stuffed into a nylon sack and dumped at the refuse site.

There were claims that several of her organs were removed. Shortly after that, another female body was discovered beneath the old dual railway road bridge with her private parts missing.

SP Catherine Anene, the spokeswoman of the police in Benue State confirmed the incident, while assuring the public that investigations were ongoing.

Also in January 2025, the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, accused some medical centers and personnel of indulging in organ harvesting in what had become a booming trade in Akwa Ibom State.

According to the agency, an estimated one million children were trafficked in last four years in A’Ibom.
The State Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP, Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, made the startling allegation in Uyo as stakeholders marked the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 themed, “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots”

Awhen noted that approximately 750,000 to one million children were abducted in Akwa Ibom for trafficking and other exploitative purposes between 2021 and 2024.

He disclosed further the agency’s arrest of one suspect for organ harvesting, having secured 60 convictions of human trafficking offenders under the period in review with 15 cases pending in court.

NAPTIP reacts

Vincent Adekoye, Press Officer of NAPTIP, explained that ovary harvesting in Nigeria was part of broader patterns of human trafficking and organ harvesting.

He said traffickers deceive and coerce young women, promising false opportunities, to exploit them. Although NAPTIP has not formally addressed ovary harvesting, it is actively prosecuting cases related to organ harvesting under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2025.

The Act criminalizes coercion or manipulation for organ removal, with penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines.

Adekoye highlighted that human trafficking, including organ harvesting, remained a nationwide issue in Nigeria, with no state immuned from the practice.

NAPTIP identifies trafficking hotspots, though ovary harvesting remains under-reported. Traffickers commonly use deceit, coercion, debt bondage, and exploitation of desperation to target vulnerable victims.

Challenges NAPTIP faces include limited regional cooperation, the clandestine nature of the crime, resource constraints, secrecy among victims, and sophisticated trafficking networks using technology to evade detection.

Adekoye said under the leadership of the Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, NAPTIP had ramped up efforts to combat human trafficking, including increasing awareness, building partnerships with local governments, and deploying intelligence officers.

He also said the agency has launched initiatives, such as the Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons Vanguard in schools to encourage youth to report suspicious activities and seek help.
No hospitals had been shut down yet for organ harvesting, as cases remain low.

However, NAPTIP is prosecuting a doctor and staff in Abuja for alleged organ trafficking.

Adekoye emphasized the need for anonymous reporting mechanisms, stronger regional and international cooperation, and community empowerment to protect young girls from exploitation.

These efforts aim to curb the disturbing trade in human organs and exploitation, with the ultimate goal of eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria.

Some oil marketers are beginning to change the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on their filling stations, as the dealers dump the franchise deals with NNPCL due to the stiff competition in the prices of refined products in the downstream arm of the oil sector.

It was gathered that many others are considering the move, particularly those in Lagos, following the recent crash in the prices of refined products by the $20bn Lekki-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Already some dealers that used to have the NNPCL logo on their filling stations located around Wawa on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, as well as at Ibafo, still along the busy road, have dropped the name of the national oil firm.

Independent marketers are seeking to achieve adequate product off-take at a cheaper rate, as the deregulation of the downstream oil sector has led to intense competition. 

Many filling stations formerly affiliated with the national oil company are now being renamed and rebranded under the ownership of private oil marketers, particularly in Lagos and surrounding states.

It was also learned that more marketers may relinquish their licences with NNPCL due to the reduced loading costs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) refined by the Dangote refinery, which is currently lower than the landing cost of imported petrol.

The PUNCH reports that a petrol price war was reignited in the sector recently after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery slashed its loading costs to N890 from N950 per litre.

Dealers explained that the rebranding of filling stations is a tactic by the marketers to pick up cheaper products from the Dangote refinery, and other import sources at a cheaper rate.

This assertion was confirmed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, during an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

A franchise licence in the oil sector refers to an official authorisation granted to an individual or company to operate a business or distribute products under an established brand or system within the oil industry.

This typically involves a contractual agreement that allows the franchisee to utilise the franchisor’s brand, resources, and operational model in exchange for fees or a percentage of revenue.

Ukadike explained that marketers have adopted this new approach because the NNPCL is no longer the exclusive importer and distributor of refined petroleum products.

He said, “Yes, that observation is correct. Some marketers are changing and rebranding. Remember that there was a time NNPCL was the sole distributor and importer of petrol. So, marketers then gave their filling stations as franchises so that they could get products.

“So marketers normally give their companies to NNPCL to be able to have petroleum products. But now that the game has changed, you can even see some marketers now changing to MRS filling stations. Because MRS is now selling cheaper than any other station.

“People want where they want to get turnover and return on investment. If you are carrying Total on as a brand name and Total is not giving you petrol products, what is the sense of carrying the name? You have to remove it and get a better alternative. Most of those filling stations (that are changing name), NNPC don’t own them. NNPC only collected them on the franchise.”

Attempts to contact the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, for an explanation of why marketers are switching from the company’s brand, proved unsuccessful, as he did not reply to messages sent to his phone.

An oil and gas expert, Olatide Jeremiah, who confirmed the arrangement said marketers used the franchise licence as a method to secure cheaper products from NNPCL which was still importing at the time.

He confirmed that the avenue that provided more revenue was disrupted by the emergence of the Dangote refinery and the inability of the national oil firm to secure an agreement to fix petrol prices with the Lekki-based plant.

Jeremiah, who is the Chief Executive Officer of petroleumprice.ng noted, “Yes, it’s true. It all happened after the subsidy was removed but before the emergence of the Dangote refinery.”

He further narrated, “After the removal and petrol price went up, NNPCL was asked to manage the price and should not be allowed to keep skyrocketing. So NNPCL and the majors were pegging the price at N500 but the landing cost was above the amount. This affected importers and independent marketers who imported fuel. For instance, Petrocam imported and claimed that its landing cost was N700 but the majors and NNPCL were selling at N500 per litre. That is a difference of N200 and was a huge loss.

“So actually NNPCL was subsidising internally and when independent marketers noticed this and were losing sales, they began applying for NNPCL franchise lincence. The marketers paid millions to get the franchise licence because they were loading from NNPCL depot at a cheaper rate.

“NNPCL was the one dictating price for all the majors at that time because of public outcry and they used to buy, till Dangote came in. They also wanted to do the same thing with Dangote to fix the price but the arrangement didn’t work because Dangote wanted to sell to everyone. Its price was better and independent marketers could buy directly.

“The franchise licence was also an avenue to make more profit because some marketers got licence for one of their stations but would transport products to other stations and sell at a higher price to Nigerians. The slot of getting fuel tankers at that time was twice in a month.”

The Chairman of PETROAN in Lagos State, Akinola Ogunyolemi, said most of the outlets are not originally owned by the NNPC.

He said the removal of the NNPCL symbol might mean the end of an agreement or a breach of it by either party.

“These are individual outlets. What they do is that, if an NNPCL contract expires and they are not ready to move forward with them or if they get a juicy offer, they will remove the NNPCL logo. They will rebrand again and put other people’s names. That could be the reason.

“Most of the outlets are not NNPCL-owned. You can have your filling station built and put NNPCL there, with your contract to them. Maybe they could not meet up with your agreement with them, (because they too also have some breach of contract sometimes), you might decide to go and give the station to Mobil or Total. It is yours,” Ogunyolemi said.

Experts also noted that more licenses may still be revoked because the price of imported petrol now costs more than products obtained from the Dangote refinery.

According to the latest data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association, the on-spot cost of landing PMS has reached N910.14 per litre at the ASPM and N910.52 at the NPSC depot.

The document also stated the 30-day average cost of petrol surged to N939.03 per litre.

Meanwhile, fresh details emerged regarding the behind-the-scenes developments that contributed to the reduction in the ex-gantry loading cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, sourced from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and a possible reduced retail cost for Nigerians.

The refinery in a statement signed by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the strategic adjustment is a direct response to the positive outlook within the global energy and gas markets, as well as the recent reduction in international crude oil prices.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday, 1st February 2025.

“This strategic adjustment is a direct response to the positive outlook within the global energy and gas markets, as well as the recent reduction in international crude oil prices,” the statement read.

It noted that the price revision reflects the ongoing fluctuations in global crude oil markets, as highlighted in the refinery’s statement on 19th January, when a modest increase was implemented due to the previously rising international crude oil prices.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, was traded at $76.76 per barrel on Tuesday, marking a reduction of $4 from $81 per barrel recorded in early January.

While this assertion is totally accurate, marketers in the downstream sector informed our correspondent that a pricing competition between Dangote, the NNPCL and some marketers contributed to the decision to reduce its petrol costs.

This fresh pricing war started about a week ago after the NNPCL and some major marketers secured an alternative source to import refined products at a cheaper landing cost compared to Dangote’s price.

Recall that The PUNCH reported last Friday that the national oil firm and other marketers in the downstream oil sector imported more than 633 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in January 2025 despite the production of these commodities domestically.

A marketer said, “We had noticed for some weeks that Dangote and private depot prices were at the same level unlike before when there was a N20 difference. So we found out that some people are sourcing cheaper products outside the country and that’s why they are going head-on with Dangote. Those depots didn’t want to get out of business and that was why they had to do it to be more competitive.”

Another source who confirmed the development said the concerns expressed by bulk buyers operating at a loss of N31.02 per litre or a total loss of N310,159,109.59 made Dangote senior executives hold a meeting.

The source noted, however, that despite the reduction in output, the refinery continues to maintain a steady profit, demonstrating its ability to adapt and remain financially successful.

He said, “The price reduction from Dangote was somehow inevitable because there were serious complaints and concerns from their buyers. This made Dangote senior executives to meet on Friday between 4 and 5 pm to discuss. What has happened is basically the effect of deregulation in the downstream sector and Nigerians should expect more pricing war between competitors in the sector.”